THE TRAVELS or ANACHARSIS THE YOUNGER, IN GREECE, en DURING ,THE MIDDLE OF THE FOURTH CENTURY ~* BEFORE THE CHRISTIAN ERA. * ABRIDGED FROM THE ORIGINAL WORK OF THE ~~ ABBE’ BARTHELEMI. — THE THIRD EDITION, ——>- ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES, DESIGNED AND ENGRAVED BY H. RICHTER. London: Printed by J. D. Dewick, 20, Aldersgate Street, FOR VERNOR AND HOOD; LAUCKINGTON, ALLEN, AND CO. OTRIDGE AND 30N; T. NURST; AND T. BOOSEY. 1800.SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS OF THE GRECIAN HISTORY. PROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE KINGDOM OF ARGOS TO THR ARRIVAL OF ANACHARSIS IN GREECE. <=> A Celery of Egyptians ( by Tnache Tnachus into Ar- The Deluge of Ogyges in Beeotia Colony of Cecrops to Athens, foundation of that city laid, and the Ai 8 established _- A Colony founded by Cadmus at Thebes — AColony by Danaus at Argos - co Deluge of Deucalion, near to Parnassus, or in the south- ern part of Thessaly - - Birth of the Arts in Greece = — - Reign of Perseus in Argos - - Foundation of the kingdom of Troy - The Arrival of Pelups in Greece Birth of Hercules, one of the the Argonauts, an: ‘and fires of the demi gods Birth of Theseus king of ‘Athens Expedition of the Argonauts the first navigators, to dis coverunknown countries tothe Greeks, toward the year Atreus begins his reign at Olympia —_— First war of the Thebans, between Eteocles and Po- lynices, sons of Oedipus Theseus makes war against Creon, king of Thebes — ‘The death of Theseus aking of Troy. So great an event throughout Greece, that it became a Principal epocha in the annals of their nations _ - az TEtTtFitl Ac bef. Chit. * 1970 1796 1657 1594 1586 1580 1547 1458 1425 1423 : 1383 1367 1360 1345 1329 1326" 1305 1282 oCw] Yen bef. Christ, Return of the Heraclidx, the descendants of Hercules, into Peloponnessus 1202 Emigration of the fonians into Asia Minor, where they founded the cities of Ephesus, Miletus, &c. — 1076 Death of Codrus, last king of Athens. He sacrificed his life to save his country ; upon which the Athenians abolished the title of King, saying, that after him they would acknowledge.only Jupiter as their sovereign 1092 Birth of the legislator Lycurgus _ — 926 "Fhe birth of Homer, toward the year — 900 Restoration of the Olympic Games, by Iphitus, eee: reigned over a district of Ellis _- 884 The legislation of Lycurgus _ _ — 845 His death — — G41 —>-, Each Olympiad contained four Years. Olyinniat, ter Ent 1 The Olympiad at which Corcebus gained the prize of the Stadium, and which has since been made the principal wra of the Grecian Chronology — 776 2 Theopompus, grandson of Charilaus, and nephew of Lycurgus, ascends the throne of Lacedemon 770 The people of Chalchis in Eubaeo send a Colony to to Naxos in Sicily 758 5 Foundation of Syracuse and Coreyra by the Co. rinthians amg ge Foundation of Sybaris and Crotona toward that time 9 Beginning of the first Messenian War — 743 34 End of the first Messenian War — — 724 18 Thalantus, a Lacedemonian, conducts a Colcny to Tarentum _ _ — 708 23 Beginning of the second Messenian War — Oe4 24 ‘Lhe Archons of Athens become Annual. They were at first for life, and afterwards limited to ten am _ — 84 25 C ariot ua Ri ices with four horses instituted at the Olymzic Games -_ — 650 29 Apant of the Messenians go to settle at Zancle in which city afterwards takes the name of) ina _- _ — 604 30 Byzantiumis founded by the people of Megara 058 35 Birth of the philosopher Thales, by Miletus, founder of the Iopian Schcal - — 0 237 39 42 46 47 4s 50 52 55 58 62 63 65 68 7O 71 Cv] eich of Solon of Athens, legislator _- Ranning and Wrestling by Children, introduced at at the Olympic Games _- co Archonship and Legislation of Draco, at ‘at Athens Birth of the philosopher Anaximander - Alczeus and Sappho flourished at this time _ Birth of Pythagoras, toward the year - He died at the age of about ninety years aie THE AGE OF THE LAW'S. Archonship and Legislation of Solon. The history of the Athenians may be divided into three pericds. The age of Solon, or the laws; the age ot The- mistocles and Aristides, or that of glory ; and the age of Pericles, or that of luxury and the arts Solon travels into Egypt, Cyprus, Lydia, &c. Arrival of the sage Anacharsis at Athens _ Composition of Musicians is introduced at the Py- thian Games - The first attempt in Comedy by Susarion; 3 and some years after, Thespis makes his first essay in Tragedy - — — Esop flourished - _ eas Pisistratus usurps the sovereign power at Athens Cyrus ascends the Throne. Beginning of the em- pire of the.Persians - - Solon dies, aged eighty years _ _ Birth of the poet Simonides _ - Death of the philosopher Thales _ Battle of Thymbra. Craesus king of Lydia is d feated, and Cyrus takes the city of Sardes Anacrcon lived at this time _- Death of Cyrus. His son Cambyses succeeds him Birth of the Poet Eschylus _ Darius king of Persia begins his reign Birth of Pindar _ _ Darius retakes Babylon - Expedition of Darius against the Scythians Birth of the philosupher Anaxagoras Birth of Sophocles - - Birth of Democritus —_— PlPtiedd THE AGE OF GLORY. Battle of Marathon, the twenty-ninth of Septem- ber, gained by Miltiades. The Persians lost 6400 Yems Christ. * 638 632 624 610 604 600Clympiads. 72 Z 75 85 86 Cv] bef. men, the Athenians 293 heroes. The army of the former consisted of 100,000 infantry and 100 horse ; that of the latter of about 11,000 490 Death of Darius. His son Xerxes succeeds him A485 Birth of Euripides the tragic poet _ — As Birth of Herodotus the Historian _- ibid. Battle at Thermopyle, in the beginning of Au, st where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans peris! ‘Xerxes arrives at Athens toward the end of that Years month — 480 Battle of Salamis, the twentieth of ‘October . ibid, Battles‘of Plata and Mycale, in which the Persian army was completely vanquished = — — 47 Birth of Thucydides the Historian _ — 471 Banishment of Themistocles - — ibid. Victory gained by Cimon over the Persians near the river Bory meen tt — — 470 Birth of Socrates —_ — 409 Death of Simonides the poet - — 488 Death of Aristides, surnamed the Just 407 Earthquake at Lacedemon. Third Messenian War. This war lasted ten years — 464 Cimon commands a body of Athenian troops, sent to the assistance of the Lacedzmonians, who, suspecting them of treachery, send them back; from which arises a misunderstanding between the two states. Banishment of Cimon — 461 Birth of Hippocrates in the island of Cos — 469 ‘The Athenians, under the conduct of Tolmides, and afterwards under that of Pericles, lay waste .__ the coast of Laconia Truce for five years between the states of Pelopon- nesus and the Athenians, concluded by Cimon, Who had been recalled from banishment — 450 Herodotus reads his history at the Olympic Games 444 459 THE AGE OF LUXURY AND OF THE ARTS. Pericles remains without competitors. Hehad taken part in the government for twenty-five yedrs be- fore, and enjoyed almost an unlimited power during fifteen years more trae — 44 The Athenians send a Colony to Amphipolis 437 Birth of Isocrates — 439 At this time flourished Empedocles, Hippocrates, Gorgias, Hippias, Prodicus, Zeno of Elea, Par- meyedes, and Socrates —_. — ibid.ay 38 gi 92 97 98 ti] ean Nef, Cin.t. ”feton observes the summer solstice, and produces anew Cycle, which answers to the sixteenth of July -. ae aE The Peloponnesian war begins m the spring — A great plague at Athens. Hippocrates comes to their assistance ‘The birth of Plato in the Month of May. Pericles dies toward October —_ ‘The death of the philosopher Anaxagoras —- Battle of Deliam, betwoen the Athenians and the Berotians, m which the latter are victorious. So- crates, serving in the Athenian army, saves the life of young Xenophon Battle ef Amphipolis, in which Brasidas the Lace- decnronian general, and Cleon commanding the Athenian troops, are both slain cont am A truce for fifty ycars is concluded between the Athens and ‘Lacedemonians _ =_ The Athenians, under different pretences, break the truce, and ally themselves with the Eleans, Argives, &c. — - Alcibiades gains the prizes at the Olympic Games ‘The Athenian army defeated in Sicily - Four hundred ‘citizens are placed at the head of the government of Athens; who are deposed a a few months after Hyperbolus banished. The Ostracism laid aided Death of Euripides, toward the year — — Dionysius the Elder ascends the throne of Syracuse Death of Sophocles at the age of eighty-five Battle of Arginasz, in which the ficet of the Athe- nians are defeated by that of the Laccdamonians Lysander is victorious over the Athenians near /Egos Potamos _ _— _ Athens taken by that general toward the end of April, who establishes the thirty magistrates, known by the name of the Thirty Tyrants. This authority was abolished eight months after Expedition of the Younger Cyrus, in which Xeno- phon serves as a volunteer — = Death of Socrates The Athenians, under the command of’ ‘Thrasybulus make themselves masters of a part of Lesbos The peace of Antalcidas is concluded between the Greeks and Persians —_ _- Birth of Demosthenes - _— _ Birth of Aristotle - _ — 432 431 430 428 429 420 416 Als All 410 407 406 ibid. ibid. 404 ibid. 399 392 387 385 354* [vii] Years ‘Olympiads. bef. Christ. 100 Pelopidas with the Theban exiles leave Athens, and i seize the citadel ot Thebes, of which the Spartans had gained possession some months before 378 Naval battle near to Naxos, in which the Athenians defeat the Lacedemonians —_ — 377 A comet appeared in the winter of 373 and 372 101 Earthquake in Peloponnesus. The cities of Helice and Bura destroyed — ibid. 102 Battle of Leuctra, the eighth of July. The The- : bans, commanded by Epaminondas, defeat the Lacedemonians, under the command of their Cleombrotus, who is killed — — 371 Expedition of Epaminondas into Laconia. The - Athenians, under the command of Iphicxgtes, _ * come to the assistance of the Lacedsemonians 369 103 Death of the Elder Dionysius ; his son succeeds him -. 7 on the throne of Syracuse »s _ — 367 = Arrival of Anacharsis the Y¥@Binger into Greece; & at which period these Travels commence 363 . ve .er -—o—, ee THE TRAVELS OF ANACHARSIS. So, Anacharsis, a Native of Scythia, addresses these Travels to his Friends —States the Motives which induced him to travel—Leaves Scythia, and ar- rices at Byzantium—Voyage to Lesbos. Descenpep from the sage Anacharsis, so ce- Jebrated among the Greeks, and so unworthily treated by the Scythians, the history of hislifeand. death, as you well know, filled me with esteem for the people who had honoured his virtues, and with a dislike to those who knew not how to appreciate them: and this disgust was increased by the arrival ofa Greekslave whom I purchased. This mar was of one of the principal families of Thebes in Beeotia; and had followed the younger Cyrus about thirty- six years before, in the expedition undertaken by - that prince, against his brother Artaxerxes king of Persia. Being in one of those engagements to which the Greeks were compelled in their retreat, 2 iin C-@ THE TRAVELS he was taken prisoner, and wore the chains of ser- vitude under different masters and in (different nations, and lastly in that which I inhabited. The more I became acquainted with him, the more sensible I was of the ascendency which an enlightened people possess over others. ‘Timagenes (for that was the Theban’s name) at once delight- ed and humbled me by the charms of his conver- sation, and the superiority of his knowledge. The history of the Greeks, their manners, and go- vernment, their arts, sciences, and festivals, were the inexhaustible topics of our conversation. I listened to him with delight: I had just entered my eighteenth year, and my youthful imagination added still livelier colours to his descriptions, T had hitherto seen nothing but tents, flocks, and desarts; "and, unable to bear longer with the wandering life of Scythia ant the ignorance which accompanied it, I at length resolved to leave a climate where Nature scarcely provides for the wants of man, and remove far from apeople whose only virtue appeared to me to consist in not know- ing vice. I have passed the better part of my life in Greece, Egypt, and Persia, but particularly in Greece. I enjoyed the last moments of its glory, " nor quitted it till I saw its liberties expire on the “plains of Chwronea. While visiting its provinces, I carefully noted down every thing which I thought merited attention; and from this jour- al have drawn up the narrative of my travels. Toward the end of the first year of the 104th s — a eee eetOF ANACHARSIS. $8 Olympiad *, I began my travels, accompanied by Timagenes, to whom I had given his freedom. After traversing vast solitudes, we arrived on the banks of the Tanais, near the spot where it falls into a kind of sea, known by the name of Lake or Palus Meotus. ‘There taking shipping, we pro- ceeded to the city of Panticapeum, situated on an eminence near the entrance of the strait called the Cummerian Bosphorus, which joins the Pa- lus Meotus to the Euxine Sca. The city of Panticapeum, where the Greeks formerly established a colony, is become the capi- tal of asmall empire, which extends along the eastern coast of the Chersonesus Taurica f. This country produces corn in abundance ; and the earth, scarcely grazed by the ploughshare, yields the husbandman an amazing increase. The Athenian merchants, whoresort herein great numbers, are subject to no duties, either in exports or imports: in grateful acknowledgment for which benefit, the republic of Athens enrolled this prince and his children among the number of her citizens. We found a Lesbian vessel nearly ready to sail; and Cleomedes, the commander, agreed to take us on board. Waiting the time of our departure, I was in a continual movement, running here and there, viewing the “citadel, harbour, the vessels, their rigging; all which were novel to me; I en- tered at random into private houses, as well as ma- * The month of April, 863 years before Christ. + The Crimea. : Ba4 _ THE TRAVELS’ nufactoricsand shops. I went out of the town, and my eyes were fixcd on the rich orchards and fields, laden with an abundant harvest. My mind was filled with the most delightful sensasions ; I spoke of them ‘to every one I met; and ran to impart my astonishment to Timagenes, as if these things had been equally new to him. In the beginning of my travel I expericnced similar sensations whenever nature or industry ‘presented objects that werc novel to me, or such as delighted or affected me: but these pleasures afterwards disappeared, and I found that we lose in the experience we acquire of these sources of happiness and enjoyment. I shall not describe the feeling with which I was agitated, when, on quitting the Cinnerian’ Bospho- Tus, the sea called the Euxine, gradually expanded to my sight. It isan immense bason, almost every- where surrounded by mountains, more or less dis- tant from the shore, and into which near forty ri+ vers pour their waters from Asia and Europe. The borders are inhabited by various nations, who dif- fer from each other in their origin, language, and manners. At intervals, and chiefly on thesouthern coast, we meet with cities founded by the inhabi-, tants of Miletus, Megara, and Athens, built for the most part in fertile situations, and well calcu- lated for commerce. To the east is Colchis, cele- brated for the Argonauti¢ expedition, so embel+ lished by fable, and which rendered the Greeks better acquainted with these remote countries,OF ANACHARSIS. § The rivers that fall into the Euxine, cover its surface with flakes of ice in severe winters, which Initigate, it is said, the saltness of its waters, and convey into‘an enormous quantity of vegetable and other sybstances which attract and fatten the fish, such as the tunny, turbots, &c. which mul- tiply the more, as this sea does not nourish any yoracious fish. The Fuxine is frequently enve- loped in dark fogs, and agitated by violent tem- pests. Toward the eastern part, nature hag formed gulphs, the bottom of which no sounding thas yet been alie to reach. Whilst Cieomedes was informing us of these particulars, he sketched on his tablets the circuit of thc Euxine. When he had finished it, Yoy have now, said I, without perceiving, traced the figure of the how we make use of in Scythia: it is preciscly of that shape. But I see no outlet to this sea. Tt communicates with others, replied he, only by a longer and still narrower channel than that we have just left, listead of steering directly for this strait, Cleo- medes, fearful of quitting the coast, directed his course first westward, and then inclining to the south, As we sailed along the shore, our conver- sation turned upon the inhabitants of those coun- trics. One day Cleomedes informed us he had read, some time since, the history of the expedi- tion of the younger Cyrus. Grecce then is atten- tive to our misfortunes, said Timagenes: it is some consolation for those whom fate has doomed to B36. THE TRAVELS survive them. ‘And what hand has traced these events? They are traced, answered Cleomedes, by one of the generals who led back the Grecks to their country, Xenophon of Athens. Alas! replied Timagenes, this is the first account I have heard of him for thirty seven years that I have been se- parated. How happy should I be once more to be- hold him! But I fear that death— Te comforted, said Cleomedes, he still lives. The gods be thank- ed, exclaimed Timagenes; he may ‘then receive the embraces of a soldier and friend whose life he has more than once saved! The Athenians have, no doubt, loaded him with honours. They have banished him, replied Cleomedes, for appearing too much attached to the Lacedemonians. But in his retirement, at least, he attracts the attention of > Greece? No; every eye is now fixed upon Epami- nondas of Thebes. Epaminondas, replied Timage- nes with emotion, What is his age? He is about fifty; the son of Polymnis, and brother of Caphi- sias. It is the same, cried Timagenes; I knew him in his childhood; I was but a few years oldcr than himself; his features are still present to me; we were early united by the ties of blood. He was ~ educated in the love of virtue and that of poverty. Never did youth make a more rapid prog in his exercises; his masters were not able to s#tisty his thirst for knowledge. I recollect well too his attachment toa strict Pythegorean, named Lysis. Epaminondas was not more than twelve or thirteen when I joined the army of Cyrus, yet the presagesOF ANACHARSIS. ee of a great character were then visible. How has he fulfilled such expectations ! Cleomedes replied, He has raised his nation by his exploits to that pitch of greatness, wliich at this day renders it the first power of Greece. O Thebes! exclaimed Tima- genes, my country ! the happy abode of my in- fancy ! still happier Epaminondas! He was too much affected tq proceed. My dear Timagenes, said I, if such is your attachment for the place where chance has given you birth, what must it be for such friends as are the objects of your choice! I have often told you, Anacharsis, con- tinued he, of the unalterable love the Greeks bear their country: it was with difficulty you could conceive it; judge in this moment by my tears whether it be sincere. After a short silence, “he enquired by what means a revolution so glori- ous ior the Thebans had been effected. You can- not expect from me, suid Cleomedes, a ¢ircum- stantiai detail of all that has passed since your departure; but the principal events will suffice to inform you of the present state of Greece. By the taking of Athens, all our republics fell, in some measure, under subjection to the Lace- damonians: some where compelled to, and others solicited their alliance. The brilliant qualities and exploits: of Agesilaus, king of Lacedemon, seemed to threaten all with bondage; but Artax- erxes distributed sums of money in several cities of Greece, and thus detached several from the | alliance of the Lacedemonians. Thebes, Corinth, Ba8 THE TRAVELS Argos, and other states, formed a powerful league; and assembling their forces in the fields of Coro- nea, in Beotia, they soon came to action with the troops of Agesilaus. Xenophon, who fought near the person of this prince, affirms that he never saw a more bloody conflict. The Lacedz- monians had the honour of the victory ; and the Thebans, that of effecting their retreat without’ being forced to a shameful flight. * This victory, by establishing the power of Sparta, gave birth to new ‘dissentions and new confederacies: even among the victors some were weary of their success, others of the glory of Age- silaus. The latter, headed by the Spartan Antal- cides, proposed to king Artaxerxes to give peace to the Grecian nations; and the conclusion of this treaty, which entirely changed the political system of Greece, was entrusted to the Laceda- monians, who had conceived the first idea of it. The Thebans and Argives were the only people who would not accede to the treaty until compel- led by force of arms; the other republics received it without opposition, and somé even with joy. A few years after, the Spartan Phabidas pas- sing with a body of troops into’ Barctia, encamped in the vicinity of Thebes. ‘The city was then di- vided into two factions, each headed by one of the chief magistrates. Leontiades, the leader of the party devoted to the Lacedemonians, per- suaded Phwbidas to take possession of the citadel, and assisted him in the enterprize, and this at a~~ Oe eee — OF ANACHARSIS. 9. time of profound peace, and at the instant when the Thebans, devoid of fear or suspicion, were celebrating the festival of Ceres. So strange an act of perfidy became still more odious, from the cruelties exercised on the citizens who were at- tached to the true interests of their country, and which failed not to excite a general clamour throughout Greece. The Lacedemonians them- selves were violent, and with indignation demand- ed, whether Phabidas had received orders to per- petrate such an atrocious action. Agesilaus an- swered, that a general may be allowed to exceed his orders when the welfare of the state requires; "and that the proceeding of Phxbidas should be + judged onty according to this principle. Leonti- ades, who was then at Sparta, appeased the minds of the citizens, by exasperating them against the Thebans. It was determined to retain possession of Thebes, and that Phebidas should be condemn- ed to pay a fine of a hundred thousand drachmas. Thus the Lacedemonians profited by the crime, and punished the criminal; but this decrec was the era of their decline; the greater part of the allies abandoned them; and, three or four years. - after, the Thebans shook off this odious yoke. Some of their intrepid citizens, in a single night destroyed the partizans of tyranny; and their efforts being seconded by the people, the Spar- tans evacuated the citadel. Young Pelopidas ‘was among the principal leaders, who shortly after became conspicuous, by actions which teflected honour on his country. x»10 , THE TRAVELS All conciliatory measures were henceforward impracticable between the two nations. Agesilaus twice conducted into Buotia those soldiers who had ever been victorious under his command. Being wounded in an indecisive action, the Spar- tan Antalcidas, pointing to the blood streaming - from his wound, said, ‘Behold the fruit of the lessons you have given the Thebans.” After suffering thcir fields to be laid waste, the. Thebans tried their strength in skirmishes, which soon becaine frequent. Pelopidas led them daily against the enemy; and notwithstanding the im- petuosity of his character, checked them in their Surcesses, encouraged them in their defeats, and gradually taught them to brave those Spartans, whose reputation they had dreaded still more than their valour. Pelopidas (instructed himself by the. example of Agesilaus, as well as his own errors) in a succeeding campaign gathered the fruit of his labours and ‘reflections. He was in Bootia,. and marching towards Thebes, when he fell in with a body of Lacedamonians, much more nu- merous than the forces he commanded. A The- ban horseman who advanced betore the army, dis- covered them coming out o!a detile, and hasten- ed back to Pelopidas, © iaimirg, ‘ We have fallen into the herds of the enemy.” ‘And why * should you not say, the enemy have fallen into * ours?’ replied the gencral. | Until this moment no nation had ventured to attack the Lacedamo- nians with an equal, still less with an inferior force. The conflict was bloody, and victory=~ OF ANACHARSIS. il hung long in suspense: but the Lacedemonians, | having lost their two generals and the flower of their wartiors, opened without breaking their ranks, to Ict the enemy pass; Pclopidas, however, wishing to remain master of the field of battle, charged them a second time, and at length had the satisfaction of completely defeating them. This unexpected success astonished Lacede- mon, Athens, and all the Grecian republics; who, _ fatigued at length with the miseries of war, re- solved to come to an amicable termination of their. differences. The general assembly was convoked * at Lacedemon, where for the first time Epami- nondas ‘appeared, with the other deputies of ‘Thebes. He was then in his fortieth year: he had hitherto, according to the advice of the sages, led a retired life, and-he had done still more, he had enabled himsclf to render it of util- ity to others. ‘After his childhood, he had taken upon himself the completion of his education. Notwithstanding the mediocrity of his fortune, he obtained the philosopher Lysis to live with him, and from him imbibed the subtime ideas of virtue taught by the Pythagorcans; and that virtue has shone forth in the minutest actions of his life. ‘At the same time that he fortificd his health by running, wrestling, and still more by temperance, hé studied rhankind, consulted the most enlightened sages, and meditated on the ‘respective duties of ‘the general and the magis- trate, His talents, which have placed him in the12 THE TRAVELS foremost rank of orators, shone forth for the first time at the conference of Lacedemon. In his public harangues he did not disdain the orna- ments of art; but the eloquence of a great soul was their chief embellishment. The discourse he then pronounced made so powerful an impression, on the deputies, as to alarm Agesilaus. The The- bans insisted on the necessity of a treaty founded solely upon justice and reason. ‘‘ And does it ‘ appear to you just and reasonable,” said Age- “silaus, ‘to grant independence to the cities of ‘© Boeotia?”—‘ And do you,’ replied Epaminon- ‘das, ‘think it reasonable and just to acknow- ‘ledge the independence of those of Laconia?’ *¢ Explain yourself clearly,” said Agesilaus, in- *¢ flamed with passion: ‘‘I ask you whether the *¢ cities of Boeotia shall be free?” ‘ And I,* an- * swered Epaminondas sternly, ‘demand of you, ‘whether those of Laconia shall be so?’ At these words Agesilaus effaced the hame of the Thebans from the treaty, and the assembly sepa- rated. Such it is pretended was the issue of this famous conference. Some indeed relate it more to the advantage of Agesilaus: be that as it may, the decree of the assembly expressed that al! the states should enjoy their liberties; tha the troops should be disbanded, and that each of the confe- derate powers should be permittea to succour the oppressed cities. ‘There was yet time for negoci- ation; but the Lacedemonians, -hurried on to their ruin by a spirit of infatuation, gave orderseng wee -- | - - -—-— OF ANACHARSIS. 13 to their king Cleombrotus, who commanded the allied army in Phocis, to march into Beeotia. This army consisted of ten thousand foot soldiers and one thousand horse. The Thebans could only Dppose to these forces six thousand infantry and a small body of cavalry; but Epaminondas was at their head, and he had under him Pelopidas. It was asserted that sinister means had been ob- served: Epaminondas answered, that the best of presages was victory to our country. The allied citics had consented to this expedition with such reluctance, that it was unwillingly the soldiers began their march. The king of Laccdemon ‘was no stranger to this discouragement; but he had enemies at home, and risked every thing ra- ther than furnish their hatred with new pretexts. The two armies met near a small town of Boeo- tia called Leuctra. On the evening before the battle, whilst Epaminondas was making his dis- position, and anxious for an event which would decide the fate of his country, he was informed that an officer of distinction had just expired in his tent. Ye gods! cried he, how is it possible to find time for dying in such a moment! The next day was fought that battle rendered for ever memorable by the great abilities displayed by the Theban general. Cleombrotus was posted on the right of his army with the Lacedemonian pha- ‘4anx, protected by his cavalry, which formed the ftont line. Epaminondas, certain of the victory, ¥ he could break this formidable wing, resolved,14 THR TRAVELS 7 to attack it with his left. He filed off hither his best troops, drew them up fifty deep, and placed his cavalry likewise in the front. Cleombrotus observing this, changed his first disposition; but instead of giving his wing more depth, he ex- tended it to outflank Epaminondas. During this movenient the Theban cavalry poured on that of the Lacedemonians and drove them back on their phalanx, which was only twelve deep. Pelopidas, who commanded the sacred battalion composed of three hundred young Thebans renowned for their valour, took it in flank, and Epaminondas advanced upon it, with all the weight of his co- lumn, The phalanx sustained the shock with a courage worthy of a better cause, and a happier ssuccess. Prodigies of valour could not save Cle- ombrotus. The warriors around him sacrificed their lives either in detence of his, or to rescue his body; which the Thebans had not the honour to carry off the field. . After his death, tiie Peloponnesian army retired to their camp, situated on an adjoining eminence. Some Lacedemonians proposed to renew the bat- tle; but their generals, terrified at the loss that Sparta had sustained, and not knowing how to confide in allies, who were more pleased than af- - flicted at her humiliation, suffered the Thebans - peaceably to raise a trophy on the field of battle. The loss of the latter was inconsiderable; that of the enemy amounted to four thousand men, among whom wereathousand Lacedemonians. OfOF ANACIIARSIS. 13 _ seven hundred Spartans four hundred lost theirlives The first intelligence of this victory excited in Athens only an indecent jealousy of the The- bans. At Sparta it awakened those extraordinary sentiments which the laws of Lycurgus imprint in every heart. The people were attending at so- Jemn games, where men of all ages disputed the prize of wrestling and other gymnastic exercises. On the arrival of the messenger, the magistrates saw that the fate of Lacedemon was decided; but without interrupting the exhibition, sent to inform each family of their loss, exhorting mo- thers and wives to support their gtief in silence. The next day, the relations of the slain were seen with joy painted in their countenance, thronging to the temple to thank the gods, and mutually congratulate each other at having given such brave citizens tothe state. The others dared not expose themselves to the public eye, or appeared . only with the emblems of sorrow. The painful sensation of shame and the love of their country, were so prevalent among the greater number, that husbands could not bear to be looked on by - their wives; and mothers trembled for the return of their sons who had survived. The Thebans were so elated with their success, that the philosopher Antisthenes said, ‘‘ Methinks «© I see a number of scholars proud of having ‘¢ beat their master!” Two years after, Epaminondas and Pelopidas were named Beotarchs, or chiefs of the Beeotian16 THE TRAVELS league. The concurrence of circumstances, mu- tual esteem, friendship, andan uniformity of views and sentiments, formed an indissoluble union be- tween these two great men. The one undoubt= edly possessed more virtues and greater talents; but the other almost raised himself to a level ‘by acknowledging the superiority. With this faith- ful companion of his labours and his glory, Epa- minondas entered Peloponnesus, spreading terror and desolation through the states in alliance with Lacedemon, hastening the disaffection of others, and breaking the yoke under which the Messenians had groaned: for centuries. Seventy thousand men of different nations marched under his orders with an equal confidence. He led them to Lacedmon, resolved to attack her inha- bitants at their very doors, and erect a trophy in the midst of their city. Sparta has neither walls nor citadel; but Age- silaus took care to line with troops several rising : grounds within its precincts, and placed his army: on the declivity of the highest of these emmen- ces, From hence it was that he discovered Epa- minondas approaching at the head of his army, and making his dispositions to pass the Eurotus, swelled by the melting of the snow. After long following him with his eyes, he only suffered these words to escape him: ‘ What a man! what ahero!” | Agesilaus was nevertheless agitated by the Yost cruel anxiety. Without, was a formidableOF ANACHARSIS. : 17 army; within, a small number of soldiers, who no longer believed themselves invincible, and a great number of factious citizens. To these were added the mirmurs and complaints of the inha- bitants, who saw their possessions ravaged and their lives endangered; and the gencral voice ace cusing him as being the author of the miseries of his country and of all Greece: the painful recol- lection too of a reign. once so splendid, disho- noured towards its close by a spectacle io less /Rovel than tremendous; for several centuries past, the enemy had scarcely ventured a few hasty incursions on the frontiers of Laconia; ‘and never had the Spartan women beheld the smoke of their camp. Yet, notwithstanding these just subjects of alarm, Agesilaus exhibited . a serene countenance, and despised the insults of his enemies; who, to force him to relinquish his position, alternately reproached him with cow: ardice, and laid waste the adjacent country: in his sight. i Epaminondas now. despaired of drawing the Lacedemonians into the plain; the winter was far advanced; the inhabitants of Arcadia, Argos, and Elea, had already abandoned the siege. The Thebans were suffering daily losses, and began to want provisions. The Athenians and other states were making levies in favour of the Lace» demonians. These reasons induced Epaminon- das to retreat. He spread devastation through ‘She rest of Laconia; and avoiding the army of oe18 THE TRAVELS the Athenians, commanded by Iphicrates, Icd back his own, without interruption, into Beotia. The chiefs of the Becotian league hold their of- fice only for a year; at the expiration of which they should resign the command to their succes- sors. Epaminondas and Pelopidas had retained their authority four months longer than the time prescribed by law. For this they were accused, and judicially prosecuted. The latter defended himself without dignity, and had recourse to sup- plication; but Epaminondas appearcd before his judges with the same tranquillity as at the head of his army, and thus addressed them: ‘ The ‘law condemns me: J merit death. T_only de- “mand that this inscription be engraven on my “tomb: The Thebans have put Epaminondas to “death, because at Leuctra he forced them to “attack and vanquish those Lacedemonians *¢ whom they had not before dared to face: be- “ cause he saved his country, and restored liberty “to Greece.” All present applauded Epami- nondas; and the judges did not dare to condemn, ~ him. Envy, which receives new animation from the failure of its project, believed the opportunity . how arrived to humble him. In the distribu- tion of the public offices the conqueror at Leuc- tra was appointed to supcrintend the cleanliness of the streets and the maintenance of the com-. mon sewers of the city: but Epaminondas gave dignity to this employment, and shewcd, as he himself had said, that we should not judge ofOF ANACHARSTIS. 19 men by their places, but of places by those who fill them. : During the six years which have since elapsed, we have more than once seen Epaminondas ren- der the Theban arms respected in Peloponnesus, and Pelopidas triumphant in Thessalia: the latter _last year headed an expedition against a tyrant of Thessaly named Alexander, and fell in battle while pursuing the enemy, whom he had reduced to flight. Thebes and the allied powers wept his death: Thebes kas lost one of he ablest sup- porters, but Epaminondas still lives; and he now projects to give the fatal blow to Lacedamon. - All the Grecian republics are at-present dividing, forming leagues, and making immense prepara- tions. It is said the Athenians will join the Lace- dxmonians ; yet this union will nor deter Epa- minondas; and the ensuing spring is to decide this mighty contest. Such was the recital of Cleomedes. After several days favourable navigation, we arrived at the Thracian Bosphorus, which divides Europe from Asia. On entering the channel, the crew addressed repeated thanksgivings to Jupi- ter, surnamed Ursus, whose temple we had seen on our left on the ‘Asiatic coast, for being pre-, served from the danger of so tempestuous a sca. _ The length of the Bosphorus, from the temple of Japiter to the city of Byzantium *, where it ter- aminates, is ove hundred and twenty stadia t; its * Constantinople, + Four leagues and upwards “G2 Hie20 THE TRAVELS breadth is various. On each side, the country rises in an amphitheatre, and presents the most agreeable and ‘diversified points of view: hills clothed with wood, and fertile valleys, form, at intervals, a striking contrast with the rock, which suddenly change the direction of the channel. On the highest of these eminences are disco- vered monuments of the piety of the people: on the shores delightful houses, tranquil harbours, cities and towns enriched by commerce. These prospects are animated in certain seasons, by numberless boats employed in the fishery, and vessels under sail for the Euxine, or returning ‘Taden with its produce. Toward the middle of the channel, we were shewn thegplace where Darius, king of Persia, passed seven hundred thousand men* he was leading against the Sythians, over a bridge of boats. The strait, which is only five stadia in breadth *, is here narrowed by a promontory, on which stands a temple of mercury. At this spot * two men (placed, the one in Europe and the other in Asia) may be distinctly heard by each other. Soon after, we came in sight of the citadel and walls of Byzantium, and entered the port. This city, anciently founded by the Megareans, and successively rebuilt by the Milesians, and: other nations of Greece, is situated on a promon- tory nearly of a triangular form. Never was there a happier or more majestic situation; the * 1008 yardsOF ANACHARSIS. 21 eye, while glancing over the horizon, reposes to the right on the sea ‘called the Propontis ; ‘oppo- site and beyond a narrow channel, on the cities of Chalcedon and Chrysopolis; then on the strait of the Bosphorus, and lastly on fertile eminences and a gulph which serves by way of harbour and retreats to the depth of sixty stadia® within the land. On the-point of the promontory stands. the citadel. The walls of the city are built of huge square stones, so jointed as apparently to form only a single block. Besides a gymnasium and several other kinds of public cdifices, you meet with all the conve- niences a rich and numerous people are able to procure. They assemble in a forum large enough to contain a small army ranged in order of battle. Here they reject or confirm the decrees of a se- nate more enlightened than themselves. This - absurdity has struck me in -scvcral of the Gre- cian cities, and has often made me recollect the - saying of Anacharsis to Solon: ‘+ With you, it “ frages once ascertained, and the decree read a third time without opposition, the presidentsOF ANACHARSIS. 87 dismiss the assembly ; which breaks up with the same noise and tumult that has prevailed through the whole course of the deliberations. The senate is the permanent council of the peo- ple, who can enact nothing which has not.first met their approbation: after which it must be ratified by the people.. Such was the institution of Solon, whose in- tention it was that the people should not have it in their power to act without the senate, and that their proceedings likewise should be so regulated, as to produce the greatest possible advantages with the fewest sources of dissention; but to effect and maintain this happy harmony, it would have been expedient to invest the senate with the means of awing the people. But as this body is renewed every year, and its officers almost every day, it has neither power nor interest sufficient to retain any portion of authority: and as, at \ the annual expiration of its function, it has both honour and favour to look up for from the people, it is reduced to consider them in the light of its benefactors, and consequently its masters. The decrees -of the senate therefore are not only fre- quently rejected in the assembly of the people but we every day see simple individuals substi- tute others in their room, the offspring of their private opinions, which are eagerly adopted by the multitude, without any previous knowledge or consideration. Simple individuals are now seen to possess an G488 THE TRAVELS influence in ‘the public deliberations, which should only appertain to the senate: some of whom are factious persons from amang the lower order, who hurry away the multitude by their effrontery; and others again, wealthy citizens, who carry them by a false liberality. But those who possess most power, are those men of elar quence who, laying aside every other occupation,, devote their whole time to the administration of the state. These generally make their first essays in the courts of justice; and when they have there distinguished themselves by their_oratory, they then, under pretext of serving their country, but more frequently to promote their own ambi- tious views, enter into a nobler track, and un-~ dertake the arduous task of instructing the se- — - nate and guiding the people. . It isto be observed, that formerly those who spoke in public, accompanied their harangues only with a noble, sedate, and unstudied action, simple as the virtues which they practised, and— the truths it was their object to declare; nor is it yet forgotten that Themistocles, Aris:ides and Pericles, almost motionless on the tribunal, and with their hands concealed in their mantles, de- rived as much influence from the gravity of their appearance, as from the powers of their eloquence. Far from imitating these examples, the modern orators, in general exhibit, in their exclamations, their gestures, and their garments, nothing but an cxtravagant agitation and a disgusting indc- .OF ANACHARSIS. 89 eency. This however is but a trifling symptom . of the infamy of their real conduct,—Some sell their talents and their honour to powers at en- mity with Athens; others have wealthy citizens at their command; while all waging a perpetual war of reputation and interest with each other, aspire to the emolument which arises from go- verning the most enlightened people of Greece. Hence those cabals and divisions whieh are in- cessantly fermenting and breaking out with vio- Jence in the tumultuous assembles; for the peo- ple, equally servile in their obedience as they aré terrible when they obtain the sway, carry thither the licentiousness and abhorrence of. restraint, which they deem a precious portion of their sovereignty. ‘oS In vain has a remedy been for some time past attempted to prevent these evils, and to afford aid to the violated laws. The futility of the as- sistance serves only to evince the extent of those “ evils, which are perpetuated not only by the na- ture of the government, but still more by the character of the Athenians. In fact, this people, so highly susceptible as they are of lively and transient sensations, stand distinguished beyond all other nations for uniting the most discordant qualitics, and such as may most easily be abused to mislead them. Fickle beyond conception, and so extremely frivolous, , that in the most serious and desperate situation of affairs, a single word spoken at random, @90 THE TRAVELS — : happy sally of pleasantry, the smallest object, the most trivial incident, provided it be unex- pected, dispels their fears, and diverts them from. their most important interests. Thus the whole assembly was once seen to rise and run after a. little bird, that Alcibiades, when young,. and speaking for the first time in public, had suffered to escape from his bosom. And thus again, when threatened with an immediate rupture with Philip, at the moment when’ their minds were much agitated, a little deformed man rose up to speak before the people: this was Lion, ambas- sador from Byzantium; who, though his personal appearance was of the most unfavourable kind, possessed much of that wit and presence of mind so higlily pleasing to the Athenians. At sight of him they burst into such violent fits of laugh- ter, that Lion could scarcely obtain a moment's silence. At length he made himself heard, and addressed them as follows: ‘‘ What would you “say then if you saw my wife? she scarcely ‘reaches to my knees. Yet little as we are, “‘when we disagree, the city of Byzantium is ‘not large enough to hold us.” This plea- santry was so successful with the Athenians, that they immediately granted the succours he came to solicit. y The supreme authority resides essentially in the people: it is they who decide on pcace and war, who receive ambassadors, who confirm and abrogate laws, who nominate to almost everyOr ANACHARSIS, 91 office, impose taxes, and decree rewards to those who have rendered service to the country. In their courts of justice the right of protect- ing innocence is not acquired either by birth or riches ;, it, is the privilege of every citizen of Athens; as all may be present at the assembly of the nation, and decide on the interest of the state, so’ likewise are all entitled to give their suf- frage in the courts of justice, and to regulate the interests of individuals. The people assemble the four last days of the year to chuse the magistrates, the principal of whom are the nine Archons; and they are generaily chosen from among the most distinguished and unexceptional of the citizens. — Manners and Domestic Life of the Athenians. At the dawn of day the inhabitants from the country enter the city with their provisions, sing- ing ancient ballads. All Athenians is then in motion; the shops are opened, and the inhabi- tants resume their various avocations and em- ployments. It is customary with the Athenians to make two meals a day; but some are seen to content themselves with one, which they take either at noon, ora little before the setting of the sun. In the afternoon some allow themsclves a few minutes sleep, others play with little pieces of bone, or at dice, and games of commerce, These games are merely games of chance, but the following one entirely depends on judgment,92 THE TRAVELS On a table, on which are traced, lines, or pyrami- dal points, they range on each side pieces, or men of different colours; and the skill of this game consists in sustaining one piece by the other, in taking those of the adversary when he leaves them unguared, or blocking up, 80 as to.pre-- _ vent him from advancing: but he is permitted to play again when he has made a wrang move*. At different times of the day, and especially in the morning, before noon, and in the evening before supper, the Athenians repair to the banks of the Ilissus and the environs of the city, to enjoy the delightful pureness of the air, and the ° prospects that arise on every side. But in the morning the Forum is chiefly resorted to, as it is here the general assembly is often held, and the palace of the senate is there likewise ; almost every one is therefore attracted thither, either by his own private business, or the public affairs. At certain hours the square of the market, clear- ed from all incumbrances, leaves an open field for those who wish, to entertain themsclyes with observations on the crowd, or make a display of their persons. Around the squareare shops of perfumers, gold- smiths, barbers, &¢c. in which the interests of the state, anecdotes of private families, and the vices or follics of individuals, are warmly and clamo- rously discussed. Sometimes we nicet with a "© Tris prisumed this game bore some resemblance to our game of draughts or chess,OF ANACHIARSIS. 93 select company and instuctive conversation m the different porticos dispersed through the city. Such parties cannot but be numerous among the Athenians. Their insatiable thirst for news, arising from the natural activity of their minds and the idleness of their lives, impels them con- tinually to seck the society of each other. This taste, which is so predominant in them, becomes, in time of War, quite a madness. Then it is that, both. in public and private, their conversation turns on military expeditions; and their first question on meeting is, What news? collecting and exaggerating rumours which either throw the city into the most immoderate joy, or plunge it into the depth of despair. The Atheniais employ their hours of peace in amusement of a more pleasing kind: As the greater part of them cultivate their own estates, they mount their horses in a morning, direct the labours of their slaves, and return in the evening to the city. “Their time is sometimes filled up by hunting and the exercise} of the gymnasium. Besides the public baths, whither the people flock in crowds, and which serve the poor as an asylum against the inclemencies of winter, private per- sons have baths in their own houses. They fre- quently bathe after walking, and almost always previuus to a repast, and come out of the bath perfumed with essences. Their dress, in general, consists of a tunic that descends to the middle of the leg, and a mantle which almost entirely94 THE TRAVELS covers them. None but the country people,‘or pér- sons of no education, tuck up the different parts of dress above the knee. Many persons go bare- footed; some cover their heads with a large flap- ped hat. In the form and disposition of the se- veral parts of dress, the’ men are expected to study decency, the women to unite elegance with taste. The latter wear, first, a white tunic, which is fastened with buttons over the shoulder, closely bound under the bosom with a broad sash, and which descends in waving folds down to the heels: secondly, a shorter robe, confined round the waiste by a broad ribbon, and, like the tunic, bordered at the bottom by stripes or edgings of different colours ; sometimes it has sleeves cover- ing only part of the arm: thirdly, a robe, which is sometimes worn gathered up like a scarf, and at others suffered to unfold itself over the body, the contours and proportions of which it is well adapted to display. When they go out they - wear a veil over their heads, T'lax, cotton, and . wool, are the materials of which the garments of the Athenians are usually made. The common people wear a cloth which has not been dyed, and which will wash. The rich prefer those of vari- ous colours, particularly scarlet, purple, and a deep red with a mixture of the violet. _ Very light dresses are made for summer; in winter some wear robes imported from Sardis, the cloth of which is covered with thick flocks of wool. We likewise see stuffs embroidered with gold,OF ANACHARSIS. 95 and others worked with the most beautiful flow- ers: but these are employed only in the vest- ments with which they cover the statues of the gods, or for the actors at the theatre. To pre- vent modest women from wearing them, the laws direct that they should be worn only by females of loose reputation. The Athenian women paint their eyebrows black, and apply to their faces a layer of ceruse, or white lead, with tints of deep rouge; they shake over their hair, which is crowned with flowers, a yellow coloured powder. In propor- tion as they wish to increase or diminish their stature, they wear higher or lower heels. Shut up in their apartments, they are deprived of the pleasure of participating and adding to the gra- tification of the company assembled by their hus- bands. The law permits them to go out in the day on certain occasions, but never in the night- time, except in a carriage, and with a flambeau to light them ; but this law, which it is impossi- ble to‘extend to all conditions, leaves the women of the lower classes in a state of perfect liberty. There are, however, many occasions on which the women, among the higher classes, may leave their retirement. During the public festivals they are present at the spectacles, as well as the, ceremonies of the temple, and often assemble among. themselves. If their ‘dress or carriage be not decent, magistrates appointed to watch over them, impose a heavy penalty, and inscribe the96 THE TRAVELS sentence on a tablet, which they suspend on oné of the plane-trees in the public walks. “A wife convicted of infidelity to her husband, is instantly repudiated, and the laws exclude her forevér from all religious ceremonies. A hus-+ band obliged to repudiate his wife, must first ad- dress himself to a tribunal, in which one of the chief magistrates presides. The same tribunal receives the complaints of wives’ who seek to be‘ divorced from their husbands. There it was- that, after long conflicts betwcen jealousy and affection, the wife of Alcibiades, the virtuous and too sensible Hyparete, appeared. While with a trembling hand she was presenting the memorial, ' Alcibiades suddenly arrived, and taking ler under the arm, without the least resistance on her part, crossed the Forum amid the general applauses of the people, and led her back quietly to her house. The irregularities of this Athenian were so public, that this action of Hyparete neither injured the reputation of her husband nor her own; but the greater part rather choose to submit to unworthy treatment in private, than free themselves by an open rupture that must expose their husbands or themselves to disgrace. The rigour of the laws cannot, however, ex- tinguish in the heart of the Athenian-women the natural desire of pleasing, which the precautions of jealousy serve only to enflame; but as they are . Zenevally extremely careful to conceal themselves beneath the veil of mystery, few of them haveOF ANACHARSIS. 97 become famous for their gallantries. This cele- brity is reserved for the courtezans. ‘The laws protect these women, as a corrective possibly of more odious vices; but public morals are not sufficiently aware at the injuries they receive: the abuse is carried to such height, as openly to wound both reason and decorum. A married woman seems only destined to superintend the ” domestic affairs, and to perpetuate the name of a family by giving children to the republic. Not only young men, but those of a more advanced period of life, magistrates, philosophers, almost — all persons possessed of a tolerable fortune, re- serve their complaisance for their mistresses, and who sometimes bring them children which are adopted and incorporated with their legiti- . mate offspring. Some of these women, brought up in the art of seduction by females who add the force of example to their instruction, vie with each other in endeavours to surpass their models. The — charms of beauty, youth, elegance of dress, mu- sic, dancing, and every pleasing accomplishment, a cultivated mind, and the artifice of language and of sentiment; all are employed to captivate and retain their admirer; and such fascination is there in these allurements, that those they have ensnared frequently dissipate their fortune and sacrifice their honour, until abandoned for some fresh victim, they are left to drag out the remain- der of their lives in ignominy and regret. Yet, ' a i :‘98 THE TRAVELS notwithstanding the power these courtezans pos- sesa over their votaries; they must not shew themselves in the streets with rich trinkets or jewels, nor dare men in office appear with them in public. Besides the danger which young men ate ex- posed to from those women, they have still fur- ther to fear the consequences of that institution which formed part of their education, ard the meaning of which they misapply. * Scarcely have they left the Gymnasium, before, animated with the desire of distinguishing themselves in the chariot and horse-races that are exhibited at Athens and other of the Grecian cities, they . abandon themselves without reserve to all these exercises; set up rich equipages, and maintain . an immoderate number of dogs and_ horses; expences which, added to others, soon totally dissipate the inheritance they have received from their fathers. ; In general every person walks on foot in Athens. The rich, however, sometimes make use of chariots and litters, which are the perpetual object of the censure and envy of their fellow~ citizens. Sometimes they are followed by a sér- yant carrying a folding chair, that they may sit down when fatigued. The men almost always - appear with a cane; the women very often with an umbrella: at night they are lighted by a slave, who carriesa flambeau, ornamented with different colours,OF ANACHARSIS. ‘ 99 On my first arrival at Athens, I was entertain- ed with examining the bills stuck up over the doors of the houses. On some of them I read, A house to sell ;° a house to let: on others, This is the house of (such a one) ; let nothing evil enter. I did not gratify this little curiosity for nothing; for in the principal streets the passenger is conti- nually pushed, squeezed, and crowded by multi- tudes of people on foot and on horseback ; by carters, water-carriers, criers of cdicts, beggars, and labourers. Persons not attended by servants are in danger of being robbed at night, notwithstanding the vigilance of the magistrates, who are obliged, in turn, to take their nightly rounds, The people are naturally abstemious: their chief food consists of salted meat and vegetables. Such as are unable to maintain themselves, either in consequence of wounds received, or other mis- fortunes, are paid daily, from the public treasury, one or two oboli, granted them by the assembly of the nation. The necessities of the poor are relieved likewise by other nieans. Every new moon the rich expose provisions in certain public‘ + places in honour of the goddess Hecate, which are left to the disposal of the populace. We do not here meet with such splendid feast- ang as in Persia; and when I speak of the opu- lence and ostentation of the Athenians, it is only relatively to the other states of Greece. Though the Athenians have the fault of lend- : Ha100 THE TRAVELS ing an ear to calumny, they are malignant only from frivolousness; and it is a common remark, that when good they are better than the other Greeks, because their goodness is not a virtue of education. The common people are here more rude and noisy perhaps than any where else; but among the first class of citizens we sce that decorum that impresses us with the idea that a man has a proper esteem for himself; and_ that politeness which has the appearance of esteem for others. Good company requires a propriety of language and behaviour, and supposes a degree of refine- ment and tranquillity of mind which can never find its way into all ranks of society. . The hquses of the Athenians in general con-. sist of sets of two apartments; the’ upper story for the women, and the lower for the men. The- roofs have terraces, with a large projection at each extremity. Athens is reckoned to contain upwards of ten thousand. A considerable num- Ler have gardens behind them, and in the front a small court, or rather a sort of portico, at the end of which is the- house-door, sometimes en- trusted to the care of an eunuch. We here find cither a figure of Mercury to drive away: thieves, or adog, who is a more effectual guard, and an Altar in honour of Apollo, on which the master of the house sacrifices on certain days of, the year. : ~ Strangers are shewn the, houses of Miltiades,——— oe ———ao le ——— OF ANACHARSIS. 101 Aristides, Themistocles, and other great men of the last age. Formerly nothing distinguished these modest habitations from others; at present they are conspicuous by their contrast with a number of sumptuous edifices, which men, with- out their fame and virtue, have had the effron- tery to erect by their sides. Since a taste for building. has been introduced, the streets are made more regular and straight. The modern houses are built with two wings, and the apart- ment of the husband and wife is placed on the ground floor: they are now rendered likewise more commodious and splendid. Such was the house occupied by Dinias, ¢ one of the most opulent and luxurious citizens of Athens, whose ostentation and expensive pro- fusion was such as ina short time to dissipate his fortune. He was constantly followed by three or four slaves; and his wife Lysistrate never appeared in public but in a carriage, drawn by four white Sicyonian horses. He was, like other Athenians, served by a waiting-wo- man, who shared the nuptial privilege with his wife, and was never without a kept mistress in the city, on whom he bestowed freedom and a settlement before he quitted her. Eager to pro-* mote his own enjoyments and thosz of his friends, he was constantly giving feasts and en- tertainments. **T requested him one day to shew me his eae _A long and narrow avenue led directly: H3102: THE TRAVELS to the apartment of the women: no men are permitted to enter, except near relations and such as are introduced by the husband. After crossing a grass-plot, surrounded by three por- ticos, we arrived ata large room, where we found Lysistrate, to whom I was presented by Dinias. She was employed in’ embroidering a robe ; but her attention was still more engaged by two Si- cilian doves and a little Maltese lap-dog that was playing about her. Lysistrate was reckoned one of the handsomest women of Athens; and took no small pains to support this reputation, by the elegance of her dress. Her black hair, perfumed with essences, flowed in large tresses. ,on her shoulders; golden‘trinkets adorned her ears; her neck and arms were ornamented with strings of pearl, and her fingers with precious. stones. Not satisfied’ with her natural com- plexion, she had employed artificial aid. Her robe was white, such gs is usually worn by the women of distinction. I requested the permis~ sion to tuke a view of the apartments, The first object that struck me was the toilet: I there saw a silver bason and ewers; different sorts of mirrors, bodkins to disentangle the hair, irons, to curl it, fillets of several breadths to bind it, nets to confine it, yellow powder to colour it, bracelets and ear-rings of various kinds, boxes containing ted and white paint, black to tingé the eyebrows, and every utensil for cleaning teeth. I examined all these objects with theOF ANACHARSI6. 103 greatest attention. Dinias, however, seemed unable to comprehend why they. should appear novel to aScythian. On my seeming astonished at the elegance of his furniture, he told me, that desirous to .avail himself of the industry and superior ingenuity of foreign workmen, he had procured his seats to be made in Thessaly, his mattresses at Corinth, and his pillows at Car- thage. Sceing my surprise encrease, he laughed at my simplicity, and in vindication of himself added, that Xenophon appeared. in the army with an Argive buckler, an Athenian cuirass, a Beeotian helmet, and a horse from Epidaurus. We now proceeded to the apartment of the ‘men, in the centre of which we found a smalt ' grass-plot, surrounded by four porticos, the avalls of which were lined with stucco and wain- scotted. These porticos communicated with several halls or chambers, most of them ‘beauti- fully decorated. The elegance of the furniture awas heightened by gold and ivory! the walls and ceilings were ornamented with paintings; the tapestry of the doors and the carpeting, manufactured at Babylon, represented Persians swith their sweeping robes, vultures, and alia kinds of birds and animals. Nor did Dinias display less luxury at his table than in his house. I shall give, from my jour- nal, a description of the first supper to which I -was invited with my friend Philotas. The com- pany was to as3emble towards the evcning, as H4 ee -—-- -104 THE TRAVELS soon as the shade of the gnomon should be twelve feet long. We were careful to be neither too soon nor too late, agreeable to the rules of Athenian politeness. We found Dinias hurry- ing about and giving orders. He introduced to us Philonides, one of those parasites who in- “gratiate themselves with the rich, to do the ho- nours of the house and furnish.amusements for the guests. From time to time we observed him shaking off the dust that stuck upon the robe of Dinias. A moment after arrived Nicocles the physician, much fatigued: he had a great many patients, he said; but their ailments were only slight colds and coughs, the consequence of the rains that had fallen since the beginning of au- tumn. He was soon followed by Leon, Zopy- rus and Theotimas, three Athenians of. distinc- tion, attached to Dinias from love of pleasure. Last of all, Demochares made his appearance uninvited: he was a man of wit and agreeable talents, and met with the most welcome recep- tion from the whole company. We passed into the dining-room, ‘where frank- incence and other odours were burning. On the beaufet were displayed silver and gilt vases, some of them enriched with precious stones. Some slaves in waiting now poured water on our hands, and placed chaplets on our heads, ‘We drew lots for the king of the banquet, whose Office it is to keep the company within bounds, without checking a proper degree of freedom;OF ANACHARSIS. : 105 to give the signal for circulating bumpers, name the toasts, and see that all the laws of drinking are observed. ‘ After the table had been several times wiped with a spunge, we seated ourselves round it-on couches, the covers of which were purple. The bill of fare of the supper being brought to Di- nias, we set apart the first portion of it for the altar of Diana. Each of us had brought his ser- vant. Dinias was waited on by a negro, one of those Ethiopian slaves who are purchased by the rich at a great price, to distinguish them from - other citizens. I shall not enter into a minute detail of an entertainment which every moment afforded fresh proofs of the opulence and prodigality of Dinias, a general idea of it will be sufficient. We were first presented with seyeral sorts of shell-fish; some as they come out of the sea, others roasted on the ashes, or, fried in stoves, and most of them seasoned with pepper and cummin. Fresh eggs were servéd up at the same time, both of common fowls and pea-hens;. ‘the latter of which are in the highest estimation. Sausages, pigs’ fect, a wild boar’s liver, a lamb’s “head, calves’ chittcrlings, a sow's belly scasoncd with cummin, vinegar, and silphium ; small birds, on which tvas poured a very hot sauce, composed of scraped cheese, oil, vinegar, and silphiun.. In the second course we were presented with what- ever was esteemed most exquisite in game, poul_106 THE TRAVELS try, and particularly fish. The third course consisted of fruit. Among the multitude of dainties that were successively placed on the table, each. guest had the liberty of choosing what was most agreeable to the taste of his - friends,_and sending it to them: an attention seldom omitted at ceremonious entertainments. No sooner had we begun supper, than Demo chares, taking a cup, touched his lips with it and handed it round the table, each doing the same in his turn. This first taste is considered as the symbol and bond of friendship by which the guests‘aré united. Other full cups quickly fol- lowed this, regulated by the healths Demochares drank, and which the persons drank to immedj« ately returned. The conversation at table was lively without interruption, or on any particular object, and in- sensibly led to pleasantries respecting the suppers of men of wit and philosophers, who lose mo~ ments so precious in puzzling each other with riddles and 2nigmas, or in a methodical discus- sion of the most obscure questions in morals or metaphysics. By way of ridiculing this prac- tice, Demochares proposed that we should dis~ play our knowledge in the choice of the dishes most agreeable to the palate, the art of prepariigy them, and the facility of procuring them at _ Athens. ’ ‘ The ceremony was to begin with me; but as I was but little acquainted with the subject.to beOF ANACHARSIS. | tor Giscussed, I was making my- excuse, when De- mochares begged me to give the company an idea of the Scythian repasts, I answered in a few words, that their food was honey and the milk of cows or mares, to which they were so accustemed from their birth, as not to stand in need of nurses; that they Teceived the milk in large pails, and churned it a considerable time to separate the most delicate part of it from the rest: an employment which they allotted to such prisoners as the chance of war threw into their « hands; but I was careful not to add, that they * pat out the eyes of those unhappy men, to pre- ‘vent them from escaping. Leon then taking up the conversation, said, The Athenians are perpetually reproached with their frugality. Our meals indeed are shorter and less sumptuous than those ‘of the Thebans, and some others of the Grecian states; but we hhave begun to follow their example, and presently they will follow ours. Every day we add new tefinements to the pleasures of the table, and . , Se our ancient simplicity gradually disappear, with all those patriotic virtues which originated im the necessity, and could not be the growth of all ages. Let our orators remind us as often as - they please of the battles of Marathon and Sala- . mis; let strangers admire the monuments that ~ decorate this city; Athens possesses a more substantial advantage in my eyes, in that abun-108 THE TRAVELS dance which she enjoys here during the whole year, and in that market which daily presents to us the choicest productions of the islands and the continent; and I am not afraid to assert that no country, not even Sicily itself, can sup- ply a better or more abundant table. Solon prohibited the use of puie wine, ob- served Dinias. Of all his laws this is perhaps the most strictly observed, thanks to the perfidy of our merchants. As for myself, I import my own wine; and you may rely upon it, the law of Solon will be violated during the whole of this entertainment. As he ended these words, he sent for several bot- tles which had been kept -ten years, and which were soon followed by others still older. We now drank about, almost without interrup- tion. Demochares, after giving several toasts, took up a lyre, and whilst tuning it, entertained us with an account of the custom of intermixing songs with the pleasures ofthe table. Formerly, said he, all the guests sang together and in uni- son; but afterwards it becamé the established rule for each person to sing in his turn, holding a branch of myrtle or laurel in his hand. De- mochares then sang, accompanied by the lyre, and the other guests after him. When the table was cleared, we made pe in honour of the good genius and Jupiter, and washed our hands in perfumed waters.OF ANACHARSIS, 109 Religion, its Ministers and Festivals. I SHALL here speak only of the established re- ligion, and hereafter give the opinions of philo- sophers on the subject of the Deity. The public worship is founded on this law: «* Honour, in public and private, the gods and he- “*roes of the country. Let every one annually “* offer up, according to his abilities, and the ** customary rites, the first fruits of his harvests.” The Athenians receive their twelve principal diyinities from the Egyptians ; and others from the Lybians and different nations. It was a sublime institution, of the antients to consecrate, by monuments and festivals, the me- mory of kings and individuals who had rendered service to mankind. Such is the origin of the pro- found veneration paid to heroes. In the number of these the Athenians place Theseus, the first author of their liberty. : The worship of the heroes differs Si from that of the gods, as well in the object asin the ce- remonies. The Greeks prostrage themselves before the divinity to acknowledge tueir dependence, to implore his protection, or thank him for his boun- ty. In honour of heroes they only.consecrate tem- ples, altars, and groves, and celebrate festivals and games. Incense is burnt on their altars at the same time that libations are poured over their tombs to procure repose to their manes: the sacrifices with11a THE: TRAVELS. which they are honoured, therefore, are, properly speaking, addressed only to the infernal gods. Secret doctrines are taught in the mysteries of * Elcasis, in those of Bacchus, &c. But thereligion of the Athenians holds out no body of doctrine, no public instruction or injunctions.. The only faith required is to be persuaded that the gods exist and reward virtue, either in this life or in that to come: the only practice, to perform at intervals some religious acts, such as appearing in the tem- ple at the solemn festivals, and sacrificing on the public altars. Individuals address their prayers to the gods at the beginning of any undertaking. These they offer up in the morning and evening, and at the rising and setting of the sun and moon. Some- times they repair to the temple with downcast eye, and present themselves as suppliants. On ap- proaching their altars, they kiss the ground, pray standing, on their knees, or prostrate, and hold- ing branches in their hands, which they raise to- wards heaven, or the statue of the god, after ap- plying it to their mouths. If the worship be di- rected to the infermal deities, they always strike the earth with theif feet or hands. Some pronounce their prayers in a low voice. Pythagoras wished them always to be said aloud, that nothing might be asked that could excitea blush. At the public solemnities the Athenians offer their vows in common for the prosperity of theOF ANACIIARSIS. : ft * state, and for that of their allies; sometimes for _ “ the preservation of the fruits of the earth, and ’ the return of rain or of fine weather; or to be delivered from pestilence and famine. The religious ceremonies of the Athenians sometimes present a beautiful’ and awful spec- tacle. The space before the temple, and the porticos that surround ‘it, are filled with people. The priests advance under the vestibule near the altar. . Aftey the officiating priest has said, in a wonorous voice, ‘Let us make libations, and ** let us pray,” one of the ministers demands, *€Who are they who compose this assembly?” ¢Honest people,’ reply they altogether. ‘‘ Be * silent then,” he adds. After which, prayers adapted to the occasion are recited, and presently the sacred hymns are’ chanted by chorusses of youths. Their voices are so harmonious, and so well seconded by the art of the poet, as fre- ‘quently to draw tears from the greater part of the audience. : : + Sacrifices to the gods were formerly confined . to the fruits of the earth; and we still see in some parts of Greece seygral altars on which it is forbidden to immolate any victims. The Athenians once complained to the oracle of Ammon, that the gods had declared in favour of the Lacedemonians, who offered only a small ¢number of victims, and those meagre and muti- gated. To which the oracle replied, that not all lie sacrifices of the Greeks were equal in worth1g THE TRAVELS to the humble and modest prayer, in which the Lacedemonians are contented with imploring only real blessings of the gods. As water purifies the body, it was imagined that from analogy it was likewise capable of pu- rifying the soul; and this effect it was supposed to operate in two ways, either by freeing it from ‘its pollutions, or by disposing it to contract none. Hence there are two sorts of lustration; the one expiatory, the other preparatory. Care is taken to purify children immediately after their birth, as-also those who enter temples, persons afflicted with disorders, and all, in short, who wish to render themselves acceptable to the gods. a Though sea-water be best suited to purification, what is called lustral-water is generally made use of. This is common water, in which a fire-brand taken from the altar at the sacrifice of a victim, has been dipped. Every individual may offer sacrifices on an altar placed at the door of his own house, or in a pri- vate chapel. I have often seen a virtuous father, surrounded by his children, joining in the wor- ship of the same god, and forming vows worthy the attention of the divinity. In the country towns of Attica, and through- oat Greece, a single priest only’ is required to offi- ciate in the temple. In considerable cities the duties of the priesthood are shared among several persons, who form a sort of community; at the— —— -— ow ee OF ANACHARSTS. 113 head of which is the minister of the god, who sometimes bears the title of high priest. The priests officiate in rich vestments, on which are inscribed, in golden letters, the names of those who have been benefactors to the temple. This magnificence derives additional splendor from their personal beauty, their majestic deport= ment, and sonorous voices; and above all, from the attribute of the deity whose ministers they are. Thus the priestess of Ceres appears crowned with poppies and ears of corn; the priestess of , Minerva with the egis, the curia3s, and a helmet crested with-tufts of feathers, &c. The priesthood is in many instances annexed to powerful and ancient families, and trans- mitted from father to son. — - The revenues assigned for the maintenance of the priests and the temples, are drawn from dif+ ferent sources. A tenth part of all penaltics and. confiscations are always deducted for Minerva, and a fiftietli for the other deities. A tenth of - all the spojls taken from the enemy, is likewise consecrated to the gods; and to these revenues may be added the offerings of individuals. Be- sides these advantages, the priests have an intercst in maintaining the right of asylum, granted not only to the temples, but to the sacred groves in which they stand, and to the houses and chapels . within their ‘precincts: nor can a criminal be *torn from these asylums, or even prevented from receiving his subsistence. This privilege, as of- i :14 THE TRAVFLS fensive to the gods as it is convenicnt to theft ministers, extends even to detached altars. In Egypt the priests form the first class of the state, without being obliged to contribute to its exigencics, though the third part of the landed property is sct apart for their maintenance. But the purity of their morals, and the austerity of their lives, secure to them the confidence of the people, and their knowledge that of the sovereign, whose council they compose, and who must cither be taken from their body, or have become a member of it before they ascend the throne. Interpreters as they are of the will of the gods, and disposing of that of men, exclusive guar- dians of the sciences and especially of the secrets of medicine, the power they enjoy is unlimited, since the prejudices and weaknesses of men are equally under their jurisdiction. Those of «Greece have obtained honours; such as distin- guished places at the theatre. They might con- fine themselves to the functions of their sacred ministry, and spend their days in pleasing indo- Jence; but many among them, anxious to merit hy thcir zeal the respect due to their characters, have tilled the most important and laborious of- tices of the republic, and served in its armies and embassies, Next to the priests we must place those inter- preters whose profession is held in honour by the state, and who are maintained by it. These augurs read futurity in the flight of birds and inesas sage area -— a _ OF ANACHARSTS. «Ns the ‘entrails of victims. They accompany the armies; and on their decision not unfrequently depends a revolution in governments, or the operations of a campaign. They are found in every part of Greece, but the most celebrated are those of Elis. Sometimes their answers are. offered to sale to the best bidder. Thus, while the external acts of piety are left to the regulations of the priests and the magis- trates who possess the authority necessary to maintain religion, poets are left at liberty ‘to frame new genealogies for their gods, and philo- sophers to discuss the most delicate question con+ cerning the eternity of matter and the formation, of the universe, provided that in the prosecution of these subjects they carefully avoid touching upon the doctrine taught in the mysteries; and secondly, not to advance, without modification, those principles which would necessarily involve the downfall of a worship established from time immemorial. In both these cases they are pro- secuted as guilty of impiety. This accusation is the more o be feared as it has more than once been employed to serve the purposes of revenge and enmity, and easily en- kindles the fury of a people whose zeal is still more cruel than that of its priests and magistrates, Anaxagoras, who admitted one supreme intel- ligence, was dragged to prison by virtue of a decree enacted against all who deny the existence of the gods; and but for the influence of his 12116 : THE TRAVELS patron Pericles, the miost religious of philosophers would have been stoned to death as an, Atheist. Nor are the Athenians more indulgent to the crime of sacrilege. The law punishes this offence with death, and deprives the criminal of the rites of sepulture. Incredible as it may appear, chil- dren have been condemned to die for having pulled up a sacred shrub within the precincts of a sacred wood; and a still more dreadful instance of severity was a child who picked up a leaf of gold fallen from the crown of Diana. The child was so very young, that it was necessary to make trial of its discernment: the leaf of gold there- fore, with some dice, some play-things, and a large piece of money, were presented to him ; when, upon given the préference to money, the judges declared this to be a sufficient proof of his capacity of guilt, and caused him to be put to death. : The carly festivals of Greece were distinguished ~ by joy and gratitude: the people of the different nations, after gathering in the fruits of the earth, assembled to offer up sacrifices, and to indulge in that mirth which is the natural consequence ot plenty. Several of the Athenian festivals bear the vestiges of this origin; they celebrate the return of verdure, of harvest, the vintage, and the four seasons of the year; all of which are celebrated in honour of Ceres and Bacchus. The festivals-of these two divinities are more nume- Tous than those of any other deities.OF ANACHARSIS. 117 In process of time, the commemoration of be- neficial or great events was fixed to stated days, — the better to perpetuate them to posterity. The Athenian calendar may be called an abstract of the annals of Athéns; at one time the union of the people of Attica by Theseus, the return of that prince into his estates, and the abolition of * debts which he procured, are celebrated; at ano- ther, the battles of Marathon and Salamis, or those of Platwa, Naxos, &c. ‘To individuals, the birth of children is a festi- val, and the enrolling of their children among the number of the citizens a national festival. The public festivals are either annual, or re- turn after a certain number of years; and some of them are celebrated with extraordinary mag: nificence. On certain occasions I have seen three lhundred oxen led in solemn pomp to the altars; upwards of eighty days lost to industry and rustic labour, and wholly dedicated to spec- tacles calculated to divert the people, and to at- tach them to their religion and the government. The festival of the Panathenwa falls in the first month which begins at the summer solstice, and “was instituted in the earliest agcs, in honour of Minerva. Theseus revived it annually, in me- mory of the union of atl the people of Attica; but it is celebrated with additional ceremony and splendor every fifth year. The following is the order observed, according to the remarks I made, The people who inhabit the different towns of 13118 THE TRAVELS Attica thronged to the capital, leading with them a great number of victims destined for sacrifices to the goddess. In the morning I repaired to the banks of the Tlissus, and saw the horse-races, in which the sons of the first citizens of Athens contended for the.honour of the victory. I next went to the Stadium, and,saw other young men struggling for the prizes at wrestling, and differ- ent exercises of the body ; then proceeding tu the Odeum, I found there several musicians engaged in gentler and less perilous contests; some exe- cuted pieces on the flute or cithara, others sang and accompanied their voices with one of these instruments. The subject proposed to them was the eulogium of Harmodius, Aristogiston, and Thrasybulus, who had rescued the republic from the yoke of the tyrants which oppressed it. A crown of olives, and a vessel filled with oil, were the prizes bestowed upon the victors. I next went to the Ceramicus to sce the pros cession pass that was formed without the walls. It was composed of different classes of citizens crowned with chaplets of flowers, and remarka- ble for their personal beauty. Among the num-~ ber were. old men of the most majestic and vene- rable appearance, bearing branches of olive; mid-, dle aged men, who, armed with lances and with bucklers, seemed only to respire war; youth from eighteen to twenty, who sang hymns in honour of the goddess; beautiful boys clad in a simple tunic, adorned only with their natural graces; ‘ : xOF ANACHARSIS, Wg and lastly girls, who were of the first families o. Athens, and whose featurgs, shape, and deport- ment attracted every eye. They carried baskets on their heads, under a rich veil, which contained sacred utensils, cakes, and every thing neces- sary for the sacrifices. Female attendants who followed them, with one hand held over them an umbrella, and carried in the other a folding chair: this is a species of servitude imposed on the daughters of all strangers settled at Athens; a servitude they share in common with their fathers and mothers, who carry on their shoulders ves- sels filled with water and honey, for the purpose of libations. They were followed by eight musicians, four of whom played on the flute, and four on the lyre. After them came rhapsodists singing the poems of Homer, and dancers armed, who attacking each at intervals, represented to the sound of the flute the battle of Minerva and the Titans. Next came a ship, that appeared to glide over the ground by the power of the wind and the efforts of a great number of rowers, but was in reality put in motion by concealed machinery. The vessel had a sail of light stuff, on which was sepresented in embroidery, done by young girls, the victory of Minerva over the Titans. Qn it also they had added, by order of the government, some heroes, whose illustrious deeds had merited to be celebrated with those of the gods. This procession marched on with solemn steps eg120 THE TRAVELS under the direction of several magistrates, and traversed the most frequented quarter of the city, amid a crowd of spectators, most of whom were . placed on scaffolds erected for the occasion. When it had reached the temple of the Pythian Apollo, the sail of the ship was taken down and carried to the citadel, where it was deposited in - the temple of Minerva. In the evening I followed the crowd to the Academy, to see the torch-race, The course is only six or seven stadia in length: it extends from the altar of Prometheus, whichis at the gate of this garden, to the walls of the city. Several young men are stationed in this interval at equal distances,” Whenever the shouts of the multi- tude have given the signal, the first young man lights his flambeau at the altar, and running with it, hands it to the second, who transmits it in the same manner to the third, and so on succes sively.. He who suffers it to be extinguished, can no more enter the lists; and they who slacken their pace are exposed to the railleries and even blows of the populace. To have gained the prize, it is necessary to have passed through the differ- ent stations with success. The candidates who had been crowned at the different exercises, invited their fricuds to supper. Sumptuous repasts were given in the Prytaneum and other public places, which lasted till the fol- lowing day. The people among ‘whom the immoe lated victims ‘were distributed, spread tables onOF ANACHARSIS. 121 every side; and free scope was given to their lively : and tumultuous mirth. Several days of the year are dedicated: to the worship of Bacchus; the city, harbour, and country by turns re-echo with his name. I have more than once seen the greater part. of the city in astate of intoxication; Bacchanals and Bac- chanalian nymphs crowned with ivy, fennel, and poplar, with convulsive agitations, dance and howl through the streets in the most barbarous manner, invoking Bacchus. * Scenes almost similar are exhibited at a festival celebrated on the first appearance of spring, called the Greater Dionysia. The city is then crowded with strangers, who repair thither to bring the tribute of the islands subject to the Athenians, to see the new pieccs presented at the theatre, and to be present at the public games, but parti- cularly at the procession which represents the triumph of Bacchus. In this the same retinue is exhibited with which that god is said to have been attended when he made, the conquest of India: men who personate satyts, others who re- present the god Pan; some dragging goats along to sacrifice, others mounted on asses, in imitation of Silenus, &c. All classes of people, of both sexes, most of them clad in skins of fawns, con- cealed under masks, crowned with ivy, either drunk or feigning to be so, agitating themselves - Jike madmen, with all the convulsions of fury. Tn the midst of these bands of furies, the cho-122 ‘THE TRAVELS tusses deputed by the different tribes advance in the most perfect order, and a number of young women, of the most distinguished families of the city, walk with downcast eyes, decked out in all their ornaments, and bearing on their heads the sacred baskets which, besides offerings of the earliest fruits, contain cakes of different forms, grains of salt, ivy-leaves, and other mysterious symbols. The roofs of the houses, which are in the form of terraces, are covered with spectators, particu- larly with women, most of them with lamps and torches, to light the procession, which generally begins at midnight, halting in the squares and public places to make libations and offer up victims. The day is consecrated to different games. The people repair early to the theatre, either to be present at the competition in music and danc- ing between the chorussts, or to see the new pie- ces which the poets have prepared for the oc- casion. As long as these festivals continue, the least vio- lence done to a citizen is criminal; and no creditor is allowed to prosecute his debtor. Crimes and disorders of every kind committed at this time, are severely punished on the succeeding days, In the festivals of Adonis the women alone participate; as likewise in those which, under the name of Thesmopharia, are celebrated i in honour of Ceres and Proserpine. .OF ANACHARSIS. 123 te Journey to Phocis—The Pythian Games— Oracle of Delphos. I sHALt frequently speak of the different fes- tivals of Greece; those moments of happiness so happily imagined to suspend national animo- sities and invite individuals to forget their sor- rows: those moments, so delicious in anticipation, from the hope of sceing them renewed, and so pleasing when past, from the impression that perpetuates them. I have more than once wit- , nessed these spectacles; and freely confess have shed tears of delight at the sight of thousands o¢ my fellow creatures, united by the same ties, and freely indulging together jn the most lively trans- ports of joy and happiness. Such is the scene presented by the Pythian games, celebrated every fourth year at Delphi in Phocis. We repaired to the isthmus of Corinth, and there embarking at Pagwz; entcred the gulph of Crissa the very day the festival commenced. Preceded and followed by a great number of light vessels, we made the harbour of Cirrha, a amall town, situated at the foot of Mount Cir- phis; between which mount and Parnassus runs along valley, in which the chariot and horse- races are held. The river Plistus flows through it, amid charming meadows, which were then decorated with all the various colours of the spring. After visiting the Hippodromus, we took on¢ of the paths leading to Delphi.124 THE TRAVELS The city appeared to our view in the form of - an amphitheatre on the declivity of the moun- tain. Already we discovered the temple of Apollo, and that prodigious number of statues which are scattered throughout the various cdi- fices that embellish the town. The gold with which most of them are covered, reflecting the rays of the rising sun, shone with a refulgence that was visible at a great distance. From the hills, the sea-coast, and every part, multitudes of people were hurrying toward Delphi: the se- renity of the day, and the mildness of the air of this climate, added new charms to the pleasing impression, i Parnassus is a chain of mountains stretching northward, and on the south terminating in two points, under which stands the city of Delphi, which is only sixteen stadia * in circumference. It is not definded by walls, but by precipiccs which environ it on three sides. The city is placed tinder the protection of Apollo; and with the worship of this god is united that of other deities, who are termed the associates of his throne. These arc Latona, Diana, and Minerva Provideus, Nations and kings who reccive favourable an~ ‘swers, gain victories, or are saved from impend- ing misfortunes, think it incumbent on them to crect im this place monuments of their gratitude. Individuals crowned at the public games of Greece, and all those who have rendered thenr * A little more than a mile and three quarters;oF anatuarsis. 195 selves eminent in the service of their country, ' or distinguished by their genius or abilities, have monuments here to inmmortalize their names. Here the traveller finds himself surrounded by a people of heroes; and the most remarkable events of history are recalled to his mind. Among these prodigious number of monuments, several small edifices have been erected, to which nations and individuals have transmitted considerable sums, either as offerings to Apollo, or as depositing them in a place of safety... When they are only” intended as a deposit, care is taken to inscribe the name of the person to whom they belong. We visited the treasuries of the Athenians, the The- bans, the Cnideans, the Syracusans, &c. and were convinced that the reports were not exagge- rated, when it was affirmed that we should find more gold and silver at Delphi than is contained probably in all the rest of Greece. In the treasury of the inhabitants of Acanthus they shewed us some iron obelisks, presented by Rhodope the courtezan. Is it possible, exclaimed I, that such offerings could have been acceptable to Apollo? Stranger, replied a Greek, who was likewise a spectator, were the hands that raised these trophies more pure? Yoti have just tead on the gate of the Asy lum in which we are, The in- habitants of Acanthus conquerors of the Athenians; and elsewhere, The Athenians conquerors of the Corinthians; The Phocians of the Thessalonians, &c. These inscriptions were written in the blood126 THE TRAVELS of a million of Greeks. The god is surrounded only with monuments of our folly and madness, and you are astonished that his priests should ac- cept the offerings of a courtezan. The richest of these treasuries is that of the Co- rinthians. We there found the sumptuous pre- sents of Gyges king of Lydia, among which the most remarkable are six large'cratera* of gold, of the weight of thirty talents. The liberality of this prince was entirely eclipsed by the muni- ficence of Croesus, one of his successors, who on consulting the oracle, was so well satisfied with the answer he received, that he sent to Delphi, first, one hundred and seventeen semi-plinths of gold, a palm thick, disposed so as to serve as a base for a lion of the same metal; secondly, two large cratere, the one of gold, weighing eight ‘talents, the other of silver: thirdly, four silver , vases in the shape of barrels, of a very consider- able size: fourthly, two large ewers, one of gold, the other of silver: fifthly, a golden statue, re- presenting, it is said, the woman who made bread for that prince: sixthly, to these offerings Crosus added a number of silver ingots, the -necklaces and girdles of his wife, and other va- luable presents. We were next shewn a golden cratere sent by the city of Rome, in Italy; and afterwards the necklace of Helen. We reckoned likewise in * Crater is a large vase or cup in which the ancicnts mixed their swine and watci.’ OF ANACHARSIS. 127 the temple and different treasuries three hun- dred and sixty phials or cups of gold, each weighing two minz*. All these treasuries, together with those I have not mentioned, amount to a prodigious sum, of which some idea may be formed by the fol- lowing fact. Some time after our journey to Delphi, the Phocians seized on the temple; and the gold and silver, which they melted into bullion, were esti- mated at upwards of ten thousand talents f. Tf we were struck with the magnificence of the offerings collected at Delphi, we were not less asto- nished at the excellence of their workmanship. From the sacred precincts we entered the tem- ple, which was built about an hundred and fifty years ago, the ancient one having been destroyed by fire. This building is of a very beautiful stone, and the frontispiece of Parian marble. On the pediment, two Athenian sculptors have repre- sented Diana, Latona, Apollo, the Muses, Bac- chus, and other divinities. From the capitals of the columns are suspended several kinds of gilded armour, and especially bucklers offered by the Athenians, in memory of the battle of Marathon. The vestibule is decora‘ed with paintings. We saw likewise a number of altars, a bust of Homer, &c. On the walls are inscribed several short sentences, some of which are attributed to the seven Grecian sages, that contain moral maxims. ® Two pounds three ounces. + Above 2,250,0001. sterling.128 THE TRAVELS A word of two letters placed over the gate has given rise to various explanations: its real signi- fication is Thou Art: a confession of the no- thingness of man, and an homage worthy of the Divinity to whom alone belongs existence. Amid the statues of the gods, the seat in which Pindar sang the hymns he composed in honour of Apollo, is preserved and shewn: a proof how highly genius is honoured by the Greeks. Within the sanctuary is a statue of Apollo in gold, and that ancient oracle, the answers of which have so often decided on the fate of em- pires. The discovery of this spot was made by accident. Some goats straying among the rocks of mount Parnassus, and approaching a fissure in the earth that emitted unwholesome exhala- tions, were said to have been suddenly affected with extraordinary and convulsive motions. The shepherds and inthabitants, flocking to see this prodigy, breathed the same vapour, and experi- enced the same effects, and in their delirium pro- nounced broken and unconnected phrases. These words were instantly taken tor predictions; and the vapour of the cavern was considered as a di- vine breath which revealed the secrets of futurity. Several ministcrs, a number of subaltcrn priests, augurs, &c. are employed in this temple. The “first who presented himself to our eyes was a young man, educated from his earliest. years close to the altar. It is his office to attend to the cleanliness as well as the decoration of the holyOF ANACHARSIS. 199° places. The functions of the prophets are of a more exalted kind: they station themselves near the Pythia, collect, arrange, and interpret her ansivers. ; Formerly there was only one Pythia at Delphi; but since the oracle has become so frequented, three have been appointed. In general they are. poor girls, without education and experience, of unexceptionable morals, and very limited under- standing. They must be simply dressed, and pass their lives in the practice of religious exercises. A number of strangers were assembled to con- sult the oracle. We waited our turn of approach- ing the Pythia, which was to be decided by lot. No sooner had we received the proper notice than we saw her pass through the temple, accompa- nied by some prophets, bards, and sacred per- sons, who entered with her into the sanctuary. She appeared melancholy and dejected, and seemed to go with reluctance, like an unwilling * victim to the altar. She chewed laurel, and as she passed threw into the sacred fire some leayes ef it, mixed with barley-meal. She wore a crown of laurel on her head, and her brow was bound with a fillet. One of the priests then undertook to prepare us. After being purified with the con+ secrated water, we offered a bull and a she-goat; ur heads crowned with laurel, and bearing in our Ikands a:branch, round which was a narrow circle ef white wool; we then approached the altar: + ‘soon after, the priest came and Icd us into the 7 '180 THE TRAVELS sanctuary, a sort ef deep cavern, the walls of which are ornamented with a variety of offerings. At first we could scarcely discern the objects around us; for the incense and other pertumes continually burning there, filled ‘the place with a thick smoke. Toward the middle is an aper- ture, from whence issucs the prophetic exhala- -tion. The approach to this opening is by a gen- tle descent; but it is impossible to see it, and it is covered with a tripod so surrounded with chap- Jets and branches of laurel, that the vapour is prevented from dispersing itself in the cavern. The Pythia, worn out with fatigue, refusing to answer our questions, the pricsts who surrounded her had recourse to menaces and violence. Yielding at length, she seated herself on the’ tripod, after drinking some water which flows in the ‘sanctuary, and which possesses, it is said, the virtue of disclosing futurity. The boldest colours would scarcely suffice to paint the convulsions with which she was soon after seized. We saw her bosom heave, her countenance change, and all her limbs agitated with involuntary motions; but she uttered only plaintive cries and decp groans. At length, with eyes sparkling, foaming mouth, and hair erect, unable either to support the vapour that over- powered her, or escape from the tripod, on which she was held down by the priests, she tore the fillet from her head, and amid the most dreadful howlings pronounced a few words, which wereree : os OF ANACHARSIS. 131 eagerly collected by the priests. They arranged them in a proper order, and delivered them to us in-writing. I had asked whether I should be so unfortunate as to survive my friend; and Philo- ctas, unknown to me, had made the same ques- ‘tion. The answers were obscure and equivocal, ‘and we tore them in pieces the moment we left the temple. ‘: Our hearts were now filled with pity and indig- mation, and we reproached ourselves with the damentable condition to which we had reduced , the unhappy priestess. The functions she exer- _ €ises are cruel, and have already cost many of ithese women their lives. This is known to the priests, yet do they multiply and calmly contem- plate the torments under which she is sinking. -It is still more painful -to reflect, that they are -rendered thus callous to the feelings of humanity by sordid interest. But for this delirium and tavings of the Pythia, she would be less con- sssulted, and, consequently the liberalities of the «people would be less abundant. This tribute ximposed on the credulity of mankind, is perhaps still less to be regretted than the influence which “Aiieir answers -have over the public affairs of réisat beside the pretended prodigies of which the ” SMababitants of Delphi make a constant traffic, a oe . Aitggle word dictated by corrupt priests, and “uttered by. a senseless girl, is sufficient to excite K2132 THE TRAVELS bloody wars, and spread desolation through whole kingdoms. : Deputations of men, women, and children, now arrived from Peloponnesus, to offer to Apollo the homage of the different states that inhabit that country. The theoria, or procession of the Athenians, soon after followed; and, among others, we distinguished that of the island of ‘Chios, composed of a hundred boys. As soon as they alighted, they formed their ranks and ad- vanced toward the temple, singing hymns, and presented their offerings. The chorus of the Athenians was particularly ‘distinguished by the harmony of their voices, and their superior knowledge and skill in music. Every instant offered new and_ interesting scenes. We next went to the theatre, were seve- ral competitors in poetry and music were to dis- pute the prize. Several poets entered the lists, The subject for the prize is a hymn to Apollo, which the author himself sings, accompanied by his cithara. We then saw the flute-players ad- vance. The subject usually proposed to them is the combat of Apollo with the serpent Python, in which it is indispensably requisite that the five leading circumstances of the conflict may be _ distinguished. The first part is but a prelude; in the second the action commences, and becomes animated in the third; in the fourth are heard the shouts of victory; and in the fifth the hiss- ings of the monster before he expires. :OF ANACHARSIS. 133 . No sooner had the Amphictyons adjudged the prize, than they repaired to the Stadium, where the foot-races were ready to begin. The victors were heretofore rewarded with a “sum of money; but since it has been determined to confer higher honours on them, they are presented with a crown of laurel. : The next day we descended into the plain, to gee the horse and chariot-race. The Hippo- * dromes, the name of the space allotted fur the course, is so extensive, that no less than forty -ehariots have been known to contend for the victory. In an edifice called the Lerche, Polynotus has represented the taking of Troy, or rather the - effects of that event; for he has chosen the _ Moment when, satiated with carnage, the Greeks are preparing to return home, ‘The scene of this piece includes not only the inside of the city seen ‘through the walls, the destruction of which is eompleted, but the sea-shore, near which are seen the vessel of Menelaus ready to sail, and ~the tent of that prince taking down. A variety Jef groups are distributed in the market-place, in ‘the streets, and on the sea-shore. Here Helen . <3 seen, accompanied by two of her women, jiarounded by several wounded ‘Trojans, whose ° .gmniafortunes she has occasioned, and several Gréeks, who still seem to contemplate her -eauty. Further on, Cassander appears, seated on the ground, in the midst of Ulysses, Ajax, . K3134° THE TRAVELS Agamemnon, and "Menelaus, who are represent- ed standing motionless near an altar; for the general character of this picture is that gloomy silence, that dreadful repose into which both the victors and the vanquished must sink, when the former are wearied of their cruelties, and the latter of their existence. Neoptolemus alone has not yet satiated his vengeance, and is still seen pursuing some fceble Trojans. This figure par- ticularly attracts the eyes of the spectator; and such, doubtless, was the intention of the artist, as he painted it for a place contiguous to the tomb of that hero. It is impossible not to feel the strongest emo- tion of horror and compassion, -when we view the body of Priam and those of the principal ‘Trojan chiefs, extended on the earth, covered with wounds, forsaken by all, amidst the ruins of a city once so flourishing. The same sensations are likewise felt at the sight of a child in the arms of an old slave, who puts his little hand befure his eyes to hide from him the surrounding objects ; of another, who, seized with terror, is running to embrace an altar; and of those Tro- jan women, who, seated on the ground, appear sinking under the weight of their calamities. Among the number of these captives, are two daughters of Priam and the wretched Andro- mache, holding her son upon her knees. The painter has let us see’ the aftliction of the young est of the princesses; bat of that. of the twaOF ANACIIARSIS. 135 * other the imagination is left to conceive, their heads being covered with a veil. d + —aa ” Death of Agesilaus King of Lacedemon— Acces- sion of Philip.to the Throne of Macedon. From the year 361 to 357 before the Chriftion En. D URING our stay at Delphi, we ‘heard of the last expedition of Agesilaus, and on our return learnt his death. 7 Taxhos king of Egypt having determined to invade Persia, - assembled an army of eighty . thousand men, which was to be strengthened by a body of ten thousand Greeks; among which number were a thousand Lacedzemonians, com- manded by Agesilaus, now more than eighty + -yéars of age. The Egyptians expected him with impatience; and on his arrival the principal people mingled with ‘the crowd, eager to behold a hero who for such a series of years, fame had * go loudly celebrated. - On their coming to the shore, they found a little old man, of a mean figure, seated on the +. ground, in the midst of a few Spartans, whose "appearance, as negligent’as his own, rendered it . impossible to distinguish the subjects from the 7 sovereign. The oflicers of Taxhos displayed -“before him the presents of hospitality, consisting fof various sorts of provisions. Agesilaus made i Séheice of some coarse eatables, and distributed % She most delicate as well as the perfumes among sthe slaves, ' KA , 1 ~~136 THE TRAVELS When Agesilaus quitted Egypt he was laden with honours, and carried with him the sum of two hundred and thirty talents, sent by the king as a present to the Lacedemonians. A yiolent tempest obliging him to take shelter on a desart part of the coast of Lybia,.he died there at the "age of eighty-four. Two years after this period, an event took place which was destined to change the face of Greece and of the known world. The Macedonians had hitherto been but slight~ ly connected with Greece, no distinction being made between them and the other barbarous na- tions with whom the Grecian states were per- petually at war; and the sovereigns of Macedon were formerly admitted to enter the lists of the Olympic games, only on producing their titles, by which they claimed their descent from Her- cules. Archelaus afterwards attempted to introduce into his states a taste for the arts. Euripides was invited to his court; and Socrates, if he had chosen to accept the offer, might there have found an asylum. The last of these princes, Perdiccas, son’of Amyntas, had been lately cut off with the greater part of his army, in a battle against the Illyrians. On this news, his brother Philip, whom we have seen a hostage among the Thebans, eluded the vigilance of his guard, and repaired to Macedon, and on his artival was ap~ pointed guardian to the son of Perdiccas. The arene - ae _ ~ ~OF ANACHARSIS. 137 kingdom was now menaced with approaching ruin. Intestine divisions and multiplied defeats had rendered it an object of contempt to all the neighbouring nations, who appeared to conspire jointly in the accelerating its ruin. The people, in consternation, beheld only exhausted finances, a handful of dispirited and undisciplined soldiers, the sceptre in the hands of an infant, and by the side of the throne a regent scarcely twenty-two years of age. : Philip, consulting his own powers rather than . the forces of the kingdom, undertook what Epa- + minondas had done for the Thebans. A few slight advantages gained, taught the troops suf- ficient confidence in themselves to act with cour- © age, and the people of Macedon ‘no longer to . Wespair of the state. He presently introduced order into the different departments of adminis tration, new modelled the Macedonian phalanx, and.engaged by presents and promises the Pao- - nians to retire, and the king of Thrace to sacri- * fice to him Pausanias. He next marched against ¢ Argeus; defeated him, and dismissed without -gansom the Athenian prisoners. In the midst of , these successes, oracles were rumoured among * the people, which declared that Macedon would we -pecoyer its ancient splendor under a son of Amyntas. Heaven had promised a great man to p.. Macedonia, and the genius of Philip seemed to int him out, The nation, persuaded that even’ ‘ 1. by the declaration of the gods he alone ought to188 THE TRAVELS govern who was able to defend them, invested Philip with the sovereign authority,* of which they deprived the son of Perdiccas. Encouraged by their choice, Philip united part of Paonia to Macedon, and obliged the Illy- Tians to retire within their ancient limits. But nothing contributed more to augment his power than the discovery of some gold mines, which when worked annually, produced ‘more than a thousand talents.¢ He afterwards employed, this wealth ‘to corrupt the principal orators a statesinen of the Grecian republics, —- Of the Education of an Athenian ; and on the Grecian Language. ' r T HE object of education is, to give to the body the strength which it ought to possess, and to the mind every perfection of which it is susceptible. Education among the Athenians commences at the birth of the child, and does not finish until his twentieth year. This period, so far from being longer t is necessary to form citizens, is found insufficient, from the negligence of pa- rents, who abandon the hopes of the state and of their families, at first to slaves, and afterwards to the care of mer ‘cenary preceptors. At the birth of the son of Apollodorus I beheld joy and tenderness sparkling in every eye of the family. I saw a crown of vlives, the symbol of * * 60 yexrs before the Christian ara. 228,000, EEE EAB eos aeBE arena ween ye : OF ANACHARSIS. 1S _ that agriculture for which maw is intended, sus- * pended over the door of the house. Had it been agirl, a woollen fillet, instead of the olive crown, would have betokened the species of labour in which: women should employ. themselves; and this custom proclaims to the republic that she has acquired a citizen. ’ The father has the right of pronounce on the life or death of his child; when born it is laid at “his feet, and if he takes it ii his arms it is pre- served: When ‘he is too poor to bring up his child, or when he despairs of being able to correct certain defects in its confirmation, he turns aside his eyes, and the infant is instantly carried off, to ‘ be exposed, or put to death. The laws prohibit: this'barbarity at Thebes, but authorise and to- Yerate it throughout almost all the rest of Greece. Every citizen being with, them a soldier, it should seem as if the country gave itself no con- eern about the fate of a man who would prove hicapable of serving it, and to whom its assis- tance would be often necessary. The son of Apollodorus was washed with warm water, in €onformity to the advice of Hippocratus; it was then laid in one of those wicker-baskets used to separate the grain from the chaff: a ceremony i .deemed the presage of great future opulence, or of a numerous posterity. . Formerly the most distinguished situation did pot exempt a mother from nursing her infant;, but she now confides this sacred duty to a slaye, ,wo THE TRAVELS To correct in some degree the obscurity of her birth, the nurse is admitted into the family, and generally becomes the friend and confidant of the girls they have brought up. As the nurses of Lacedemon are the most es- teemed in Greece, Apollodorus had sent for one from thence, and delivered his son into her hands. Upon receiving the infant, she was particularly . careful not to swaddle him, nor to confine his limbs, as in certain countries ; and to accustom him early to bear the cold, she covered him only with a few thin garments. The fifth day was set apart for the purification of the child, when a woman took him in her arms, and, followed by the whole family, ran with him several times round a fire burning on the altar. Apollodorus, having assembled his own and his wife’s relations with their friends, said in their presence that he gave the child the name of Lysus, as it is customary for the eldest son of a family to be named after the grandfather. This ceremony was preceded by a sacrifice and an en- tertainment. A few days after, followed another still. more sacred, that of initiation into the Ele- usinian mysteries. The Athenians believing that initiation is productive of great advantages after death, are anxious to perform this cere- mony on their children, On the fortieth day Epicharis quitted her bed ; which was observed asa festival throughout theOF ANACHARSIS. TAL house of Apollodorus. Their first object was to give their son a robust constitution, and to select from the practices generally in use in the educa- tion of children, such as were most conformable tothe views of nature, and the improved know-. edge of philosophy. Deidamia, for so the nurse . oF gouvernante was called, listened to their ad- wice, and suggested what her own experience had taught her. So great is the vegetation of the human body in the first five years of infancy, that, according -to some naturalists, it does not double its height in the twenty succeeding ones. It then requires plentiful nourishment and much exercise. Na- ture agitdtes the infant with a secret restlessness, and nurses are often obliged to take it in their arms, and gently lull it by pleasing songs. It _ should seem as if music and dancing were the primary elements of our education; they pro- ‘mote digestion, procure tranquil sleep, and dis * sipate those sudden terrors which external ob- jects are apt to produce on the yet feeble organs. : Deidamia accustomed Lysus to eat indiscrimi- nately of all sorts of food. Never was violence employed to stop his tears: it appeared to her “preferable to prevent them when their cause could be discovered, and to suffer them to flow when it could not. He therefore ceased to shed ‘ @py, as soon as he was able by his gesture to ex- " “gain his wants. She was particularly attentive ~-to the first impressions he should receive; im-142 THE TRAVELS pressions sometimes so durable as to leave traces on the character for life;. and in fact it is scarcely possible, but that a mind, which in its infancy is continually agitated by idle terrors, should not become more and more susceptible of that timidity in which it has been regularly initiated. Deidamia thevefore carefully witheld from her pupil all ob- jects that’ might increase his fears, instead of multiplying them with blows and menaces. Lysis was healthy and robust, and was treated neither with that excessive indulgence which renders children difficult to please, hasty, impatient, and insupportable to themsclves and others; nor with that extreme sevcrity that makes them tiffiid and servile. His inclinations were opposed without reminding him of his dependence, and his faults were punished without adding insult to correc- tion ; nor was he allowed to frequent the society of the servants. : It is the advice of wise mcn not to impose on children for the first five years, any labours that require application : their sports alone should ani- “mate and interest them. This period, allotted for the growth and strengthening of the body, Apol- lodorus prolonged in favour of his son; nor did he place him under the care of a conductor, or peda- gogue, before the end of his sixth year. ‘This con- ductor wasa confidential slave, employed toaccom- pany him every where, and particularly to themas- ters who were to instil into him the first elements. of the sciences, But previous to the entering upon— ae - eo ee ae OF ANACHARSIS. 143 his education, Apollodorus was desirous to secure to his son the privileges of a citizeri. I have already said that the Athenians are divided into ten tribes; each tribe is subdivided into three confraternities or curia; and each curia into ‘ thirty classes. The members of the same curia are deemed brethren, inasmuch as their festivals, temples, and sacrifices are in common. An , Athenian: must be enrolled in one of the curia, either immediately on his birth, or at three or four years old, but rarely after the seventh year. This ceremony is solemnly performed at the fes- tival Apaturia, and last three days. The first day passes in entertainments wholly, in which the relations are assembled together . under the same roof, and the members of a curia in the same place. The second is consecrated to Teligious ceremonies. The magistratcs offer up public sacrifices; and several citizens, richly dressed, carrying firebrands in their hands, run hastily round the altar, singing hymns in honour + of Vulcan, and celebrate the god who introduces the use of fire among mortals. On the third day _children are admitted to the rank of citizens. I . followed Apollodorus into a small temple be- rlonging to his‘curia; there we found the chiefs of the curia, and of the particular class of which ..Re was a member, assembled with several of his relations. He presented his son to them, with a _sheep ‘for sacrifice. Whilst the flame was con- * \uming part of the victim, Apollodorus ad- ; :44 TUE’ TRAVELS vanced, and holding his son by the hand, took the gods to witness that this child was the off- spring of himself and an Athenian wife, in lawful wedlock. The votes were now collected and the infant enrolled under the name of Lysis, son of Apollodorus, in the archives of the curia, called the public register. This act, by which a child is entered into a certain tribe, curia, and class, is, the only one that ascertains the legitimacy of his birth, and establishes his right to the inheritance of his father. Education, to be conformable to the genius of a government, should impress on the hearts of the young citizens uniformity of sentiments and principles: accordingly the ancient legislators had subjected the youth to one common institu- tion. At present they are in general brought up in their own families, which directly clashes. with a democratic spirit; as in a public education the emulation is more general, and they are taught that merit and talents aloye confer a real su- pcriority. : Apollodorus sent his son every day to the schools, which the law orders to be opened at ~ sun-rising, and shut at sun-set. His conductor took him there in the morning, and returned with him in the evening. Among the preccptors intrusted with the care of instructing youth at Athens, it is not uncom- mon to meet with men of distinguished merit. Such was Damon, who gave lessons of music te—— yn eee OF ANACHARSIS. 145 Soerates, and of Politics to Pericles; such was now Philotemus, who had frequented the school of Plato, and who added to a knowledge of the arts, that of true philosophy. Apollodorus greatly esteeming him, had prevailed on him to give his assistance in the education of his son Lysis. To understand the form and value of letters, and to trace them with elegance and facility; to give the proper length and intonation to sylla- bles, were the first studies of young Lysis; for which purpose he repaired daily to the house of a. grammarian, who dwelt near the temple of The- seus, in a frequented part of the city, and who gave instructions to a great’ number of disciples. Every evening he gave to his parents an account of the progress he had made. I saw him with a stylus, orpui, in his hand, repeatedly following the windings of the letters his master had traced out on the tablets. He was enjoined to pav the strictest attention to punctuation, until it was time to instruct him in the rules. Lysis often read the Fables of sop, and frequently repeated verses he knew by rote. ‘To exercise the memory of the pupils, the professors of grammar teach them passages of Homer, Hesiod, and the Lyric poets. . But the philosophers assert nothing is so con- trary to the most important object of education; .for as the poets attribute passions to the gods and justify those of men, children become familiar with vice before they can be acquainted with L :146 THE TRAVELS what it is. For this reason pieces of a pure md- rality have been formed and collected for the use of children; and it was one of those that the master of Lysis had put into his hands. To this he afterwards added the enumeration of the troops who went to the siege of Troy, as we find in the Iliad, as it contains the names of the most, ancient families and cities of Greece. _ When Lysis ‘spoke or read, or was declaiming from any author, I was astonished at the degree of importance his teachers annexed to his pro- nunciation, by making him sometimes rest upon one syllable, and hurrying on to another. Phi- lotimus, to whom I expressed my surprise, re- moved it by the following observation :— Our first legislators, said he, easily conceived that it was necessary to strike the imagination, and that virtue was infinitely more persuasive when conveyed by sentiment than by precept. They presented us with truths decorated with all the charms of poetry and music; we sang the bounties of the gods, and the virtues of our he- roes. Our manners became milder by the pleas- ing illusion, and we may at this day boast, that the graces themselves have laboured to make us what we are. The language we speak seems to be thcir invention. What sweetness, what rich- ness, what harmony! how faithfully does it inter- pret the thoughts of the mind and heart! Whilst, by the copiousness and boldness of its expres- sions, it suffices to signify all our ideas, andOF ANACHARSTS, 147 clothes them when necessary in the most brilliant colours ; its melody instils persuasion into our souls. You are astonished, no doubt, at that melody which, among us, not only animates declamation, but even familiar conversation. The voice with us sometimes rises and sinks the difference of a _ fifth on two syllables, nay even on the same; but more frequently the transition is by smaller intervals; some distinctly marked, others scarcely perceptible. In writing, the accents being placed over the words, Lysis easily distinguishes the’ syllable on which he must elevate or lower his voice; but as it is impossible by signs to deter- mine the precise degrees required, I accustom him to adopt the inflections most suited to the circumstances and subject; and you must have perceived, that his intonation daily acquires new beauties, as it becomes more just and varied. The length of the syllables is occasioned by a cer- tain interval of time: collect short syllables, and you will be hurried away by a rapidity of pro- nunciation; substitute long ones, and you will be retarded by their length; combine them to- gether according to. their relative length, and you will find your stile obedient to all the emo- tions of your mind, and exactly convey the impressions you wish to communicate. This it is which constitutes‘ that rhythmus, that cadence, which cannot be violated without offending the- ear; and this forms the varieties which nature, the passions, and art has given to the expres- L2148 THE TRAVELS sions of the voice, and from which there results a combination of more or less agreeable, violent, or rapid sounds. When Lysis shall be more ad- vanced, I will shew him that the best method of assorting these sounds is by contrasting them, - and how they may be strengthened and enfee- bled: these rules will be supported by examples. In the works of Thucydides he will distinguish a severe commanding melody, full of grandeur, but destitute of amenity. In the writings of Xenophon, a series of harmonious sounds, which by their elegance and softness characterizes the graces by which he. was inspired; and in the poems of Homer, a learned and perpetually di- versified arrangement. Observe, when speaking ‘of Penelope, in what manner he combines the “sweetest and most pleasing sounds to display the harmony and splendour of beauty. Would he represent the noise of the waves breaking on the shore, his language lengthens and imitates the «roating of the sea, &c. thus are sounds converted Into colours, and images become realities under the pen of the most harmonious of poets. We do not teach foreign languages to our pu- ' pils, either from contempt of other nations or because we have not more time than is requisite to learn our own. Compelled.as we are to please, in order to persuade, it is ofteh necessary to pre- fer stile to thought, and harmony ‘to expression, in a government where the value of eloquence is greatly enhanced by those accessory qualities that et eeeOF ANACHARSIS. 149: attend it; and more especially among a people whose mind is'levity itself, and whose senses are. of the utmost delicacy; who more frequently pardon an orator for opposing their inclinations than for offending their ear. Hence that incre- dible exertion of certain orators to rectify their organs of speech; hence their efforts to give that melody and cadence to their harangues which may best effect persuasion; hence, in fine, that ‘sweetness, and those inexpressible charms which distinguishes the Grecian tongue in the mouth of the Athenians. Considered ia this point of view, grammar is so intimately connected with music, that the care of teaching both is generally in- trusted to the same preceptor. Lysis learnt to sing with taste, accompanying hhis voice on the lyre. He was not suffered to make use of any. instruments that violently agi- tate the mind, or which contribute only to ener- wate it; and he was forbidden the flute. Not, Jong ago this instrument constituted the chief amusement of the Athenians. Alcibiades when a boy learnt to play on it; but finding his exer- tions to produce the sounds disfigured his fea- ‘tures, he broke his flute into a thousand pieces; and from that period the Athenian youth have considered playing on that instrument as an ignoble exercise, ‘and only suited to professional musicians. Lysis passed successively under the care of different masters: he learnt arithmetic by princi- L3150 ‘THE TRAVELS — ple, and even in his sports; but Apollodorus: would not allow his son to learn either the pre- tended powers attributed to numbers by the Py- thagoreans, nor the application which a spirit of sordid interest may make of calculations in com- mercial transactions. He nevertheless had a great esteem for arithmetic, because, among other advantages, it increases the powers of the mind, and prepares it for the reception of geome- try and astronomy. Lysis acquired a tincture of both these sciences: with the assistance of the- former, should he one day be placed at the head of armies, he will be better enabled to mark out a camp, conduct a siege, arrange troops in order of battle, or direct their motions with more faci- lity: and the latter will guard him against those panic terrors with which, till lately, the soldiers were used to be seized at the sight of eclipses and the extraordinary phenomena of nature. » Young Lysis had the: most ardent desire to ob- tain knowledge; but his father never lost sight of the maxim of a king of Lacedemon, That no- thing should be taught children but what may be eventually useful; and that even ignorance is preferable to a multiplicity of knowledge confus- edly jumbled together inthe mind. —, Lysis was a close attendant on the gymnasium of the Lyceum. Dancing regulated his steps, and gave gracefulness to his motions. He learnt to swim and to manage a horse; and though passionately fond of these amusements, was obligedOF ANACHARSIS. 11 to use them with moderation, and correct their effects by mental exercises, to which his father incessantly recalled his attention. On his return home in the evening, he either sang to the lyre or amused himself with drawing, which has been much introduced of late. He often read instruc- tive and entertaining books in presence of. his father and mother. On these occasions Apollo- dorus performed the office of those grammarians, who, under the name of critics, teach us to solve the difficulties that occur in the text of authors; and Epicharis, that of a woman of taste, who is able to relish and point out their beauties. Lysis asked one day by what criterion we should judge of the merit of a book? Aristotle, who was present, replied, ‘‘ When the author has “‘said every thing he ought, nothing but what «« he ought, and says that as he ought.” : His parents formed him to that noble polite- ness of which they were themselves the models. Every thing prescribed to him was without re- straint, and acquired and observed without efforts. His father took him to hunt different kinds of quadrupeds, because the chase is the image of war; but always upon uncultivated grounds, that he might not destroy the hopes of the hus- bandman. . Logic, ethics, rhetoric, history, and the laws, successively engaged his attention. _ Mercenary masters take upon them to teach these various branches of science, and require a high premium, L4THE TRAVELS for their lessons. The following anecdote is told of Aristippus. An Athenian requesting him to complete the education of his son, Aristippus demanded athousand drachmas. ‘‘ But,” replied the father, ‘‘ I could buy a slave for that sum.” * You will have two,’ said the philosopher; ‘ your ‘son, and the slave whom you place about him.’ .. The history of Greece taught him the claims as well as the errors of the different states which inhabit it. Logic added new os and rhe- toric new charms to his reason. The principal object of education is to form the heart. The study of morality never cost Lysis a tear: his father had placed about him persons who improved him by their conduct, and not by. importunate remonstrances. When a child, he pointed out his faults with mildness ; and when his reason was more completely form- ed, he let him see that they were contrary to his interests. — Aristotle on Morality—Plato on Virtue. Lysis had the advantages of receiving the in- struction of men of the first order, both in genius and learning. Such were Plato, Isocrates, and Aristotle, all the friends of Apollodorus. One day Apollodorus thus addressed his son: Hitherto I have made no attempt to fortify you in virtue systematically ; I have contented my- self with making you practisc it. It was proper pies peace eee - ame _- ="| Published by Vernor & Hood Jan i797OF ANACHARSIS. 153 to dispose your mind for the reception of these. lessons, as we prepare the earth before we scatter the seeds by which it is enriched. You shall now call me to account for the sacrifices I have some- times required from you; and I will enable you to justify to yourself those you may be obliged to make hereafter. Aristotle had brought with him several works, “some of which he had only sketched out, that treated mostly on the science of morals, and upon which he commented as he read. All modes of life, and all our actions, have a particular end in view; and all those ends tend “ to one general object, which is happiness. It is not in the end we propose, but in the choice of the means, that we deceive ourselves. How often do honour, riches, power, and beauty, prove more hurtful than useful to us! How often has experi- ence taught us, that disease and poverty are not in themselves injurious! Thus from the idea we form of good and evil, as n-uch as from the in- * constancy of our will, we almost always act with- out knowing what it is we ought most to desire, or what we ought most to dread. To distinguish real from apparent good is.the - object of morality, which unfortunately does not, proceed like the sciences, limited to theory. If we wish our decisions to be wise and just, let us con- sider our own feelings, and acquire a just idea of our passions, virtues, and vices. Of all the qualities of the mind, wisdom is the154 THE TRAVELS most eminent, and prudence the most useful. As there is nothing so great in the universe as. the universe itself, the sages who ascend to its origin, and study the incorruptible essence of all beings, are entitled to the first rank im our esteem. Such were Anaxagoras and Thales. They have trans- mitted to us admirable and sublime ideas; but which ate of no importance to our happiness; for wisdom has only an indirect influence on morals: Wisdom consists wholly in theory, prudence * in practice. In 3 family we see the master confide to a faithful steward the minute particulars of do- mestic government, that he may apply himself to more important affairs; thus wisdom, absorbed in profound meditations, relics on prudence to regulate our propensities, and to govern that part of the soul in which, as I have said, the moral virtues reside. : This moral part of the soul is continually agi- tated by love, hatred, anger, desire, fear, envy, and a multitude of other passions, all the seeds of which we bring into the world. Their motions, which are caused by the attraction of pleasure, or the fear of pain, are almost always irregular and fatal. In the same manner as the want of ex- ercise, or the excess of it, destroys the powers of the body, so does a passionate emotion, either too weak or too violent, lead astray the mind, leav- * Xenophon, after Socrates, gives the name of Wisdom to the ‘virtue which Aristotle here calls Prudence Plato likewise occasion- ally gives it in the same acceptation.OF ANACHARSIS. 155 ing it short of, or urging it beyond the mark it ought to have in view; whilst a well regulated emotion conducts it naturally to the object. It is the medium therefore between two vicious af- fections that constitutes a virtuous sentiment. Let us give an example: Cowardice fears every thing, and errs by deficiency; presumption fears nothing, and errs by excess, courage; which adopts the medium between the two, fears only when it is necessary to fear. Thus passions of the same nature produce three different affec- tions, two vicious andone virtuous: thus do the - moral virtues arise from the very bosom of the passions, or rather they are no other than pas- sions restrained within due limits. Aristotle now shewed us a writing, in three co- lumns, where most of the virtues were respectively placed between two extremes: liberality between avarice and prodigality, and friendship between aversion or hatred and complaisance or flattery, &c. A man may be more or less cowardly, more or Jess liberal, but there is only one manner in which he can be perfectly liberal or courageous; accord- ingly we have very few words to signify each virtue, but a considerable number for every vice. Hence the Pythegoreans say that evil partakes of the nature of infinite, and good of the nature of finite. But by what means shall we discover this good, which is almost imperceptible, amid the evils that surround it?156 _ THE TRAVELS” Prudence, which I shall sometimes call right reason, because uniting the light of experience to the natural light of reason, it rectifies the one by the other. The function of prudence is to point out tous the path in which we are to walk, and to restrain as much as possible such of our pas- sions as might induce us to wander from it. Pru- dence on all occasions deliberates on the advan- tages we should pursue, advantages difficult to know, and which should be relative not only to ourselves, but to others. Deliberation should be followed by a voluntary choice, without which it would deserve only pity or indulgence. The choice is free whenever we are not constrained to act against our judgment by external force, or hurried away by an excusable ignorance. Thus an action, the object of which is honourable, should be preceded by deliberation and by choice to make it, properly speaking, an act of virtue; and this act by frequent repetitién forms in our mind a‘habit which I shall call Virtue. Nature neither gives nor denies us any virtue: she grants us only faculties, leaving the use of them to ourselves. And while she has sowed in our hearts the seeds of every passion, she has im- planted likewise that of every virtue. We receive consequently at our birth an aptitude more or less approaching to a virtuous-disposition, a pro- pensity more or less strong towards what is good and just. Hence we perceive an essential difference be-OF ANACHARSIS. 157 tween what we sometimes denominate natural vir- tue, and virtue properly so called. The former is that propensity I have mentioned; a sort of in- stinct, unenlightened as yet by reason, wavering between good and evil: the latter is the same in- stinct constantly directed towards good by right | reason, andalways acting with knowledge, choice, and perseverance. I conclude from hence that virtue is a habit formed, in the first instance, and afterwards guided by prudence, or a natural impulse toward good, transformed by prudence or reason into habit. It is in our power, then to become virtuous, since we all possess the possibility to betome so ; but it does not depend on us to become the most virtuous of men, unless that individual has re- ceived from nature the dispostion requisite to such a degree of perfection. Since prudence or right reason, forms in us the habit of virtue, all the virtues become her work; whence it follows, that in a mind docile to her dictates, not a virtue but presents and places it- self in its proper rank, and not one will be found in opposition to another. In such a mind too, we must discover perfect harmony between rea- son and the passions, since the former com- mands and the latter obeys. If such virtue be not yet matured, the sacri- fice it may require will afflict us; if complete, "those sacrifices will afford us the purest joy; for virtue has its voluptuousness, ie .158 THE TRAVELS It is impossible for children to be virtuous, as they are unable to distinguish or prefer real good : yet as it is essential to cherish in them the natural propensity to virtue, they should be early accus-, tomed to virtuous actions. Let us consider virtue in its relation to our- selves‘and others. The virtuous man finds his enjoyment in dwelling and living with himself. You will find in his soul neither the remorse nor tumult which agitate the vicious. He is happy in the recollection of the good he has done, and in the prospect of that he may yet do. He en- joys his own esteem of others; he seems to act only for them. His whole life is spent in useful activity: he therefore possesses happiness, which consists only in a series of virtuous actions. This is the happiness arising from an active life _ dedicated to the duties of society. But there is another kind of happiness of a superior order, exclusively reserved for the small number of sages who, far from the tumult of affairs, resign them- aelves to a life of contemplation. In the conversations held in the presence of Lysis, Isocrates pleased his ear, Aristotle en- lightened his mind, and Plato inflamed his soul. . Plato sometimes explained to him the doctrine of Socrates, or laid before him. the plan of his own ideal republic; at others, he made-him sensible that no real elevation, no perfect independence can exist, but in a virtuous mind: that happi- ness consists in the knowledge of the sovercigneee = —_——~ - OF ANACHARSIS. 159 good, which is no other thanGod. Thus while other philosophers held out no recompense for virtue, but the public esteem and the transient happiness of this life, Plato presented him with a nobler support. Virtue, says he, proceeds from God; you can only acquire it by knowing yourself, by obtain- ing wisdom, and preferring yourself to what only appertains to you. Follow me in my reasoning, Lysis.—Your person, your beauty, your riches, are yours, but do not constitute you. Man con- sists wholly in his soul: man, to learn what he is, and what he ought to be, must consider him- self in his intellectual powers in that part of the soul in which sparkles a ray of divine wisdom, a pure light, which will insensibly lead him to the source from whence it emanates. When he has fixed his eyes on this, and shall have contem- plated that eternal standard of all perfection, he will feel that it is most important to his interest to imitate them in his own conduct, and to as- similate himself to the Divinity, at least so far as it is possible for so faint a copy to approach so sublime a model. God is the measure of every thing: there is nothing good or estimable in the * world, but what has some conformity to him. He is sovereignly wise, holy, and just; and the : only means of resembling and pleasing him, is by filling our minds with wisdom, justice, and holiness. Called to this high destiny, place yourself in the situation of those who,’ as the atin a160 THE TRAVELS sages say, by virtues unite the heavens with the earth. Let your life afford the happiést of con- ditions to yourself, and the sublimest spectacle to others; that of a soul, in which all the virtues are in perfect harmony. I have often spoken to you of the consequences arising from these truths, bound together, if I may venture the expression, by reason of iron - and of adamant; but I must remind you, before I coriclude, ‘that vice, besides that it degrades the soul, js sooner or later consigned to the pu- nishment it merits. God, as it has been said before our time, passes through the whole uni- verse, holding in his hand the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings. Justice at- tends his steps, ready to punish offences com- mitted against the divine law. The humble and modest man finds his happiness in observing this law; the vain man disregards it, and God aban- - “dons him to his passions. For a time he retains his consequence in the eyes of the vulgar; but vengeance quickly overtakes him: and would she spare him in this world, she pursues him with redoubled fury in the next. It is not therefore by obtaining the honours and applauses of men that we should endeavour to distinguish ourselves, ‘but by labouring for the approbation of that dread tribunal which shall judge us after death. Such were the discourscs of Plato and Aristotle. At the age of cighteen ‘the Athenian childrenOF ANACHARSIS. 161 enter into the ‘class of the Ephebi, and are en- tolled in the militia: but for the two following years they are not to serve out of Attica. The country which henceforth considers them as her defenders, requires them to engage by a solemn oath to pay implicit obedience to her command. In the little temple of Agraulos, Lysis solemnly’ promised, among other things, in presence of the altar, never to quit his post, to sacrifice his life for his country, and to leave it more flourish- ing than he had found it. During the whole of that year he never went out of Athens; but assiduously mounted guard, and inured himself to military discipline. At the beginning of the following year, on his re- Pairing to the theatre, where the General As- sembly was held, the people bestowed commend- ations on his conduct, and returned to him his lance and shield. Lysis immediately departed, and was employed in the fortresses situated on the frontiers of Attica. Returning at the age of twenty, he had ano- ther essential formality to undergo. I have al- teady said, he was enrolled in his infancy in the Tegister of the curia, of which his father was a member, This act testified the legitimacy of his bith: another was now necessary to put him in Possession of all the rights of a citizen. ' At the head of the ten tribes or districts is a de- March, or magistrate, whose ollice it is to con- Vene its members, and to keep the register which M162 THE TRAVELS contains their names. The family of Apollodo- rus was of the district of Cephissia, which he- longs to the tribe of Erecletheis; and in this town we found the greater part of those who have a tight of voting in its assemblies. Apollodorus presented his son to them, together with the act, by which he had already been admitted into his curia. After the suffrages were taken, the name of Lysis was entered in the register. But as this is the only record at Athens that can ascertain the age of a citizen, to the name of Lysis, son of Apollodorus, was added that of the first Archon, not only of the current year, but of the preceding one. From this moment Lysis possessed the pri- vilege of attending at the public assemblies, of aspiring to the offices of magistracy, and of dis- posing of his fortune as he pleased, at the death of his father. ~ I shall only say a few words respecting the edu- cation of the gi According to their different situations in life, they are taught to read, write, scw, spin, prepare the wool for clothing, and to superintend domestic concerns. Such as are of. the first families of the republic are brought up with more refinement. As they appear fromthe age of ten, and somctimes from that-of seven, in the religious ceremonics, singing hymns, or per- forming dances, different masters instruct them to modulate their veices, and regulate their steps. Great attention is paid to inculcate the necessity of holding themselves upright, sinking theirOF ANACHARSIS: bos shoulders, -&c. of being extremely abstemious, - and of preventing by every possible means a” plumpness which’ might prove injurious to ele- gance of shape and graceful motion. —e On the Moral Part of the Grecian Music. P HILOTIMUS said, he attributed thé extreme - sensibility of the Greeks in great measure to the - influence of their climate: a sensibility, which to the Athenians, is an inexhaustible source both of. Pleasure and of error, ‘and which seems to aug-: ment among them from: day to day. I'thought. onthe contrary, replied I, that it was beginning - to diminish, or why is it that their music no- longer effects the same prodigies which were for- merly attributed to it. : Because,’ answered he, it was formerly of not so refined a nature, and that nations were then in their infancy. Should a voice, accompanied: by an instrument, even in a very simple melody, subject however to certain rules, be heard by men who could only testify their pleasure by tu- multuous acclamations, you would soon see them transported with delight, and express that admi+ ration by the most violent hyperboles. This is what the Greeks experienced before the Trojan war, Amphion animated by his songs the work- men who built the fortress of Thebes; andthe same has been since done during the rebuilding of the walls of Messina; and fame reported that Ma164 THE TRAVELS the walls of Thebes sprang up at the sound of his lyre. I shall say nothing of these remote ages, T replied; but have we not heard that the Lace- demonians, when divided among themselves, were suddenly reconciled by the harmonious mo- dulations of Terpander—that the Athenians were incited by the songs of Solon to mvade and re- cover the isle of Salamis, in defiance of a decree which condemned the orator to death who should dare even to propase it—that the manners of the Arcadians were civilized by music, and num- berless other instances of the same kind? I am sufficiently acquainted with all of them, an- swered Philotimus, to assure you that the mar- vellous disappears when we consider them pro- perly. Terpander and Solon owed their successes to poetry rather than to music, and perhaps still less to poetry than to peculiar circumstances, The Lacedzmonians must have begun to grow tired of their divisions when they consented to listen to Terpander. As for the revocation of the decree obtained by Solon, that can never astonish any one acquainted with Athenian le- vity. The instance of the Arcadians is more striking: that people had contracted, in a rigor- ous climate and amid severe labours, a ferocity that rendered them wretched. Their first legis- lators perceived the impression produced on their minds by music, and deemed theri capable of- happiness since they were possessed of sensiblity : thcir children were taught to celebrate the gods.OF ANACHARSIS, 1645 and héroes of the country; festivals, public sa- crifices, solemn processions, and dances of boys and girls were instituted; and these institutions, which still subsist, insensibly connected together this rude people, and they became mild, humane, and beneficent. Such were nearly the. effects to be expected from music, while in strict union with poetry, and when employed only to preserve the integrity of morals. But since music has made so rapid a progress in refinement, it has for- feited the noble privilege of instructing men, and tendering them better. You have still some partizans of the ancient music, but I believe a greater number of the mo- dern. Your legislators formerly considered it.as an essential branch of education; at present phi- losophers hardly look upon it in any other light than as an innocent amusement. How is it that © an art which has such influence on our minds, should be less useful as it becomes more pleasing? - ¥ou will perhaps comprehend this, answered Phi- lotimus, if you compare the ancient music with that which has been introduced almost in our days. Simple in its origin, afterwards more rich and varied, it successively animated the verses of. Hesiod, Homer, Archilochus, Terpander, Simo- aides, and Pindar.. Music was then inseparable from poetry, it borrowed all its charms ; or rather we will say, poetry was embellished by those of music. The ancient poets, who were at once musiciana, philosophers, and legislators, obliged us166 THE TRAVELS to distribute in their verses the species of time of which those verses were capable, never lost sight of this principle. Words, melody, rhythm, the three powerful agents employed by music in imi- tation, all equally concurred in producing unity of expression. ‘ They were early acquainted with the diatonic, chromatic, and enharmonic genera; and to each of these genus assigned the species of poetry the best adapted to them. They employed our three principal modes, and applied them, in preference, to the three different subjects they were genc- rally obliged to treat. Was a warlike nation to be animated to combat, or entertained with the recital of its exploits, the Doric harmony lent its force and majesty. If necessary to lay before them greater examples of calamity and suffer- ing, in order to instruct them in the science of misfortune, elegies and plaintive songs borrowed the piercing and pathctic tones of Lydian har- mony. To inspire them with awe and gratitude’ toward the gods, the Phrygian notes were ap- propriated to the sacred hymns. The air, rigorously subservient to the words, ‘was accompanicd and sustained by the kind of instrument best suited to express them. The instrument was sounded in unison with the voice; and when dancing was joined, it also painted to the imagination the sentiment. or image transmitted to the car. The lyre then produced but, a small number ofOF ANACIIARSIS. 167 sounds, and singing afforded but very little variety. The simplicity of the means employed by music, secured the triumph of poctry, more philosophi- cal and instructive than history, inasmuch as it selects sublimer models, delineates greater cha- racters, holding out illustrious lessons of courage, prudence, and honour. Philotimus here broke off his discourse, to let me hear some passage of this ancient music, and particularly some airs of a poet named Olympus, who lived about nine centuries bi They turn only on a small number of chords, added he. yet are in some re- spect superior to those of our modern composers. The art of music waking considerable progress, it acquired additional modes and rhythms, and the lyre was enriched with new strings. But the poets iong opposed’ these novelties, or at least used them with moderation, always attached to the ancient principle, and above all, extremely attentive not to deviate from that decency and dignity which is the distinguished characteristic of the ancient music. : As dignity is inseparable from elevation of sen- timents and ideas, the poet who bears the im- pression of it in his soul does not give way to servile imitation. lis conceptions are lofty, and his language that of one whose office it is to speak to the gods, and to instruct men. Their hymns inspired picty, their poems the thirst of glory, their elegies patience and firmness under M4168 THE TRAVELS misfortunes. Examples as well as precepts were easily imprinted on the memory by simple airs of a noble and expressive character; and youth, early accustomed to repeat them, imbibed with their amusements the love of every duty and the idea of real excellence: Itscems to me, however, said I, that so austere a music was little calculated to excite the pas- sions. The Greeks, replied he, were naturally high spirited, and of delicate sensibility, and their passions were sufficiently active; by giving them too strong emotions, there was risk of pushing their vices and virtues to excess. It was accord- ingly one of the great views of their legislators to make music serve as an instrument to mode- rate their ardor in the pursuit of pleasure, or of victory. Why do the Lacedemonian generals disperse among the troops a certain number of, flute-players, and make their warriors march, against the enemy to the sound of that instru- ment rather than that of the trumpet? Is it not. to stay the impetuous courage of the Spartan youth, and oblige them to keep their ranks ? Be not surprized, therefore, if even before the: birth of philosophy, the most civilized states should have watched with such jealous care to prevent the introduction of any innovation in their pure and simple music, and that in latter times the wisest men, convinced of the necessity. of calming rather than exciting our passions,OF ANACHARSIS. 169 should have acknowledged that music, under the guidance of philosophy, is one of the sublimest gifts of Heaven, and the noblest invention of man. At this day music is only subservient to our pleasures: from acquiring new embellishments it became degenerated. Polymmestes, by bracing or letting down at pleasure the strings of the Iyre, introduced notes before unknown. Some musicians employed themselves in composing airs for the flute, without words; and soon after, contests were seen at the Pythian games, in_ which nothing but the sound of instruments were heard; and from that period an ungovern- able passion took place for instrumental music. The principal authors of these innovations were of the last century, some of whom are still . living; and it seems as if it were the fate of miusic to lose its influence over morals, at the very period when we are talking most of morals and philosophy. Timotheus of Miletus, who still enjoys his glory at a very advanced age, haa more than any other destroyed our ancient mu- sic. He was at first hissed on our stage; but Euripides, who knew the genius of his nation, foretold that he would soon become the favourite of the public; and the event has justified his pre- diction, Elated with his success, he visited the Lacedemonians with his eleven-stringed cithara and his soft airs. They had already more than once repressed the audacity of modern-musiciané ; may, even at this day, in the pieces offered for170 THE TRAVELS their competition, the modulation is required to be executed on a seven-stringed instrument, and to turn only on one or two modes. What then was their surprize at the accords of Timotheus? nor w's his astonishment less at reading a decree issued by the kings. and ephori, where they accused him of having wounding the majesty of the ancient music, and endeavoured to corrupt the Spartan youth, by the indecency, variety, and softness of his performance. He was ordered to retrench four strings from his lyre, with this observation, that such an example ought for ever to put an end to noveltics which encroach on the purity of morals. It deserves to be remarked that this decree passed about the time the Lacedwmonians gained that celebrated victory at A2gos-Potamos, which rendcred them masters of Athens, Among us, artizans and hirelings decide om the fate of music; which may be considered as similar to that of virtue and pleasure, whenever they become in contest with each other. Tallow that modern music excels the ancient for its richness and beauty, but it has no moral object. In the productions of the ancients I esteem the poet who. makes me love my duty; but what edification do I receive from the flute- ‘player, who imitates the song of the nightingale, and at our games the hissing of the serpent; or when, to shew his execution, he shocks my ear’ with a multitude of sounds rapidly accumulated on each other. I have heard Plato ask whatOF ANACHARSIS. 171 this noise signified, while the spectators in general were applauding in transports. I allude more particularly to the music we hear in the theatre, and at our games ; for it still retains its ancient character in many of our religious ceremonies. Modern music having that effeminate softness, those enchanting sounds which charm the mul- titude, its effect tends to enervate more and more a people whose minds are destitute of vigour and of character. We have no longer any morals, added he, but we will have pleasure: the ancient music therefore suited the Athenian conquerorsat Marathon; the modern is best adapted to Athe- uians vanquished at A°go-Potamos*. " * M. Burette pretends that the antients had 1620 notes or signs to express musical sounds, as well for the scale of voice as for that of in- struments. He adds, that after several ycars application, the per- former could scarcely sing or salfa on all the tones and in all the ge- nera, accompanying the voice with the lyre. M. Rousscau and ML. Dulos have asserted the same thing after M. Burette. - But it appears to me that the notes employed in the three genera of each mode, amounted in all to 33 for the voice, and to the same number for the instrument, making a total of 66. ‘To multiply the number of notes by that of the modes, that is to say, 66 by 15, instcad of the 1620 notes which M. Burette supposes, we shall have only 990; 495 for vocal, andas many for instrumental music. . Notwithstanding this reduction, we cannot but be astonished at first sight at this great number of characters formerly employed in music, forgetting how very numerous they are even with ourselves, since our keys, sharps, and flats change the import of a note. The Greeks having more than we have, their scale required more study than ours; but I am far from thinking with M. Burette, that whole ‘years were necessary to render it familiar.174 THE TRAVELS . Library of an Athenian—Discourse of the High Priest of Ceres. PistTRATUS, two centuries past, had collect- ed a hbrary and opened it to the public; but it was afterward carried away by Xerxes into Persia. In my time several Athenians had collections of books; but the most considerable was that of Euclid, who had received it from his ancestors, and who was.worthy to possess it, since,he un- derstood its value. On entering this library I was struck with sur- prise and pleasure. I found myself in the midst of the greatest geniuses of Greece, living in their works, with which I was surrounded. Their very silence increased my respect. An assembly of all the sovereigns of the earth would have ap- peared to me less awful; and I exclaimed, How much knowledge is here, which is denied the Scythian!. I have since said, more than once, Alas! how much knowledge useless to man! I shall not speak of all the various kinds of substances which have becn uscd to write upon. The skins of sheep and goats, and various sorts of linen, were successively employed; paper has since come into use, made from the interior fila- ments of the stalk of a plant which grows in the marshes of Egypt, or amid the stagnant waters left by the Nile after-its inundations. It is made up into rolls, at the extremity of which is sus- pended a ticket, containing the title of the book.OF ANACHARSIS. 178 The rolls are written only on one side, and to accommodate the reader, is divided into several compartments or pages. There are copyists by profession, who pass their lives in transcribing the works which fall into their hands; and others, for the sake of information, take this trouble on themselves. Demosthenes told me one day, that in order to form his stile, he had eight times transcribed the history of Thucydides with his ewnhand. Copies are multiplied by this means, but are seldom very common, being expensive: a circumstance which greatly retards the progress of knowledge. I have known Plato pay a hun- dred mine * for three small treatises by Philo- laus. ‘ The Greeks are versed in evéry species of literature, as will appear by the accounts I am about to give of the library of Euclid. I shall begin with the class of philosophy. The works of this class date no higher than the age of Solon, who lived near two hundred.and fifty years ago. Prior to that time the Greeks had theologians, but no philosopher. Little anxious to study nature, the poets collected, and in their works gave a sanction to the reigning falschoods and superstitions of the people. But in the time of this legislator, and towards the 50th Olym- piad, an astonishing revolution took place in the minds of men. Thalos and Pythagoras laid the foundation of their philosophy; Cadmus of Mi- © G70l, sterling.174 THE TRAVELS letus wrote history in prose; Thespis first gave a settled form to tragedy; as did Susarion to comedy: Thales of Miletus in Ionia, one of the seven sages of Greece, was born in the first year of the 35th Olympiad *. In the early part of his life he filled with distinction the employments to which he was called by his birth and wisdom. A thirst for knowledge soon induced him to tra- vel into foreign countries: on his return, devot- ing himself exclusively to the study of nature, he astonished Greece by predicting a solar eclipse ; and communicated the knowledge of geometry and astronomy, which he had acquired in Egypt. He enjoyed his reputation in peace, lived free, and died without regretting life. In his youth his mother pressed him to marry, and again re- .peated her solicitation several, years after. The first time he said, It is too soon: the second time, It is too late. : Many of his sentences ate still remembered, which I shall repeat, as they may give an idea of his philosophy, and shew with what precision the sages of that age endeavoured to answer the questions proposed te them. What is it that is most beautiful? The uni- verse; for it is the work of God.—What is most powerful? Necessity ; because ‘it triumphs over all things.—What is most difficult? To know one’s sclf.—What is most easy ? To give advice. * Toward the 580th year before the Christian era.OF ANACHARSIS. 175 What is there that can best console us in mis- fortunes? The sight of an enemy more unfor- tunate than ourselves.—What method must we take to lead a good lite? To do nothing we would condemn in others.—What is necessary . to happiness? A sound body, an easy fortune, and an enlightened mind. 4 Celebrated as the name of Pythagoras is, the particulars of his life are little known. It ap- pears that in his youth he took lessons from Thales and Pherecydes of Ayros: that he after- wards resided a long time in Egypt. and that if he did not actually visit the kingdoms of Upper Asia, he had at least some knowledge of the sci- ences cultivated in those countries. The pro- foundness of theE.gyptian mysteries, and the ab- stracted meditations of the sages of the east, were equally well adapted to enflame his ardent imagination, as the austere mode of life which the greater part of them had embraced, was con- genial with the firmness of his character. On his return to his country, finding it en- slaved by a tyrant, he went fur from slavery to settle at Crotonain Italy. This city was then ina deplorable situation: the inhabitants vanquished by the Locrians, had lost all sense of their na- tive powers, and sought no other resource under their misfortunes than the exccss of pleasure.— Pythagoras undertook to re-animate their cour- age by recalling to their memory their ancient Virtucs; and his instructions and example brought176 THE TRAVELS about their reformation, and endeavoured to ten= der the good he had effected permanent, by edu- cating the youth in the principles to which he _ owed his success. Knowing that nothing in- spires more energy in a state than wisdom and * purity of morals, nor in an individual, than per- fect self-denial, he planned a system of educa- tion, which, to render the mind capable of re- ceiving truth, taught it to be independent of the senses; and he founded that celebrated institu- tion which still stands pre-eminent among all other philosophical sects. Toward the end of his life, and in extreme old age, he had the affliction to see almost all that he hhad done rendered ineffectual by the jealousy of the leading citizens of Crotona. Obliged to take flight, he wandered from town to town, until death terminating his misfortunes, reduced envy to silence, and procured honours to his memory, which were carried to an extravagant length, from the remembrance of the persecution he had Suffered. The Ionian school owes its origin to Thales; the Italian to Pythagoras: both of these schools have given birth to others, which have all in their turn produced great men. Euclid, when collect- ing their productions, had been attentive to rank them according to the different systems of phy- losophy. After some treatises, which were attributed to Thales, followed the works of these who haveOF ANACHARSIS. 177 taught his doctrine, and were successively at the head of his school. These were Anaximander, Anaximenes, Anaxagoras, who first taught philo- sophy at Athens, and Archelaus, who was the master of Socrates. Their writings treat of the formation of the universe, of the nature of things, and of geometry and astronomy. The different works that next. followed were more connected with morals;. for Socrates and his disciples bestowed their attention less on na+ ture in general than on man in particular. So- crates has left nothing in writing but a hymh in honour of Apollo, and some fables of sop, which he put into verse while he was in prison: I found here both these little pieces, with the works that have proceeded from his school. The Jatter are almost all in the form of dialogues, in which Socrates is ‘the principal interlocutor, it being the object of his disciples to record his con- versations. I saw the dialogues of Plato, Xe- nophon, &c. i The Italian school has produced a much greater number of authors than the Ionian. Beside trea- tises ascribed to Pythagoras, and which do not appear to be authentic, Euclid was in possession of almost all the writings of the philosophers who have followed or modified his doctrine. The Italian school, he said, had diffused more knowledge over the world than the Ionian; but it had committed errors, from which its rival was exempt. The two great men who founded them N178 THE TRAVELS stamped the character of their genius on their works: Thales, distinguished for profound sense, had for his disciples sages who studied nature in the simplest manner; and his school produced Anaxagoras, and the soundest theology ; Socrates, and the purest morals. Pythagoras, under the influence of a lively imagination, established a sect of pious enthusi- asts, who at first beheld nothmg in nature but harmonies and proportions; and passing from one species of fiction to another, gave birth to the Elean school and the most abstract metaphysics. The works of these writers were also accom- panied by many others; and whilst I was con- gratulatmg Euclid on possessing so valuable a collection, I saw aman, venerable from his coun- tenance, his age, and deportment, enter the li- brary. His hair flowed upon his shoulders, and. his brow was bound with a diadem and a crown of myrtle: this was Calais, the hierophant, or high priest of Ceres, the intimate friend of Eu- clid, who introduced me to him. After some moments conversation, I returned to my books, with an eagerness which did not escape, Callais. He asked me whether it would give nie pleasure to acquire some idea of he doctrines they con- tained. I will answer you, said IJ, with vivaeity, as one of my ancestors formerly did Solon :—'‘* I “have quitted Scythia, I have traversed im- ‘* mense countries, and braved the tempests of ‘the Euxine sea, only to come and seekOF ANACHARSIS. 179 instruction among you.” I am going to devate myself to the study of these writings of your sages; ‘and from their labours shall undoubtedly learn those sublime truths essential to the hap- piness of man. Callias smiled at my determina- tion, whether with a mixture of compassion or not, we shall'judge by the following discourse. “T once dreamed,” said Callias, ‘ that I was suddenly transported into a high road, in the - midst of an immense multitude, composed: of - persons of all ages, sexes, and conditions. We pressed forward with rapid steps, each with a bandage over his eyes; some uttering shouts of joy, but the greater part oppressed with chagrin and weariness. I interrogated those around me; and was answered by some, We are as ignorant as yourself, but we follow those who go before Us, and others follow us. Some again replied, What signify these questions to us: you see these people who press upon us, and we must, on our part, repulse them. .Those who were ‘more en- fghtened said, The gods have ordained us to run this race, and we obey their commands, without’ either participating in the idle joy, ‘or sharing in the fruitless sorrow of the multitude. I was hur-+ tying away with the crowd, when I heard a voice exclaiming, This is the path of knowledge and of truth. turned and hastily followed it; when a man seizing me by the hand, took off my bandage, and led me into a forest, where I ould see no better than when I was blinded. ne180: THE TRAVELS We soon lost all traces of the path in which we were before, and met with a great number of per- sons who had likewise lost themselves. The guides of each never fell in with one another without coming to blows, for it was the interest of each to seduce as many followers as possible from the rest: they carried torches in their hands, and kept shaking them, in order to dazzle us with the sparks. J often changed my conductor, and’as often fell among precipices; frequently too, I found myself stopped by a thick wall, in which cases my guides disappeared, leaving me im all the horror of despair. Exhausted by fa- tigue, and lamenting I had ever quitted the road followed by the multitude, I awoke.” O my son, pursued Callias, men lived for many ages in a state of ignorance, which left. their reason at peace! Contented with the con- fused traditions transmitted to them concerning the origin of things, they lived happy without seeking to enlarge the sphere of their knowledge. But for these last two hundred years, agitated by a secret inquietude, they have endeavoured to penctrate the mysteries of nature, of which they had heretofore entertained no doubts; and. this new malady of the human mind has substi- tuted great errors for great prejudices. When it was discovered that the Supreme Being, the universe, and man, were sublime objects of meditation, the mind of the observer seemed to acquire new elevation; for nothingor i ee ee ee ae = OF ANACHARSIS. 181 inspires more elevated or more extensive ideas, than the study of nature; and as the ambition of the mind of man is as active and insatiable as that of the heart, they wished to measure space, to fathom infinity, and to pursue the windings of that chain which, in the immensity of its folds, embraces all beings. In examining this enormous collection before us, wliere excess of delirium is joined to the depth of wisdom, where man has at once displayed the strength and weakness of his reason, remember, my son, that nature is concealed under a veil which the united efforts of man can never pene- trate; and that the science of philosophy con- sists in discerning the point where mystery begins, and its wisdom in revering that mystery. Ask the different philosophers, What is God? they will answer you, That which has neither beginning nor end—a pure spirit—a subtle mat- ter—air—a fire endowed with intelligence—the world—no, the soul of the world ta which he is united, &c. O my son, adore God, and seek not to know him. Waste not your days in studying the na- ture of the universe, but employ those days as become you, and worthily fulfil the little space that is allotted you. i Ask them, What isman? They will answer, Man exhibits the same’ phznomena and the same contradictions as the universe, of which he is the abstract. n3182 THE TRAVELS The abundance of ideas which men have ine vented on the most important subjects of philor sophy, is in effect a real dearth; and that pile of learning you have before your eyes, those prer tended treasuries of sublime ‘knowledge, are no- thing more than a wretched heap of errors and contradictions. O my son, what strange knowledge have these celebrated men, who pretend to have brought. nature under subjection, introduced into the world! How humiliating would be the study of philosophy, if after beginning with doubts it must terminate in parodies! Let us however do jus- tice to those'who have advanced them. In ge- neral, they loved and sought the truth; and thinking to discover it by means of abstract ideas, they were led astray, by too implicitly following reason, with whose boundaries they “were unacquainted. It still remains for me to mention to you a system, as remarkable from its singularity as from the reputation of its author. The vulgar see nothing around the globe they inhabit, but a vault shining with light during the day, and sparkling with stars during the night, and that these are the limits of the uni- verse; but some of our philosophers acknowledge no bounds; and they have been enlarged in our time to a degree that overawes and tenifies the imagination. The first idea was, that the moon was jnhabit- .i OF ‘ANACHARSIS. 183 ed; afterwards, that the stars were so many worlds, and that the number of these worlds must be infinite, since none of them could serve as a boundary or circumference to the others. What an extensive view does this open at once to the human mind! how has this sublime theory ag- grandized the universe in our eyes! Though we employ eternity itself to traverse the immeasure- able space, still shall we find infinity! And ifit ~ be true that the soul expands with our ideas, and assimilates in some measure with the object it penetrates, how greatly must man pride himself in having fashioned what is in itself so incon- ceiveably profound! Pride himself! exclaimed I, and wherefore? most venerable Callias. My mind is overwhelm- ed at the very idea of this boundless greatness, before which all other greatness is annihilated, You, myself, all mankind, are no more in my. eyes than insects in an immense ocean. At these words Callias looked earnestly at me, and after a moment's reflection replied, ‘‘ My son, the insect which obtains a glimpse of infinity, partakes of that greatness which overwhelms it.” So Astronomy. Ir must: be allowed, said Euclid, that we have made but few observations on this science, and still fewer discoveries in it. If we possess some accurate notions respecting the course of the N4184 THE TRAVELS stars, we owe them to the Egyptians and Chal- deans, who taught us to form tables which fix the periods of our public solemnites and of our tustic labours. I testified my surprise that the Greeks, possessed of so much genius as they were, should be obliged to go in quest of infor- mation to distant countries. Perhaps, replied Euclid, we are not endowed with the talent of discovery, and our excellence may consist in embellishing and improving that of others. Be- sides, it is but lately that we have turned our at- tention toward the heavens, whilst the Egyp- tians and Chaldeans have persevered in calculat- ing their motions for an incredible number of ages; and the decisions of astronomy must be founded on observations. T requested he would give a general idea of the present state of the science. Euclid then took a sphere, and reminded me of the use of the dif- ferent circles of which it was composed. He - shewed me a celestial planisphere, on which I discovered the principal stars distributed into dif- ferent constellations. All the stars, added he, revolve in the space of one day from east to west round the poles of the world. Besides this mo- tion, the sun, the moon, and the five planets, have another which carries them from east to west in certain intervals of time. The sun passes through the 360 degrees of the ecliptic in one year, which contains, according to the .calculae tions of Meton, 365 days and 5-19ths of a day.sear eens EE anaes OF ANACHARSIS. 185 Each revolution of the moon contains 29 days, 12 hours, 45 minutes. The twelve lunations consequently give 354 days, and something more than the third of aday. In our civil year, which is the same as our lunar, we neglect this fraction, and suppose only 12 months, some of 380, others of 29, and in all 354 days. We next make our civil agree with our solar year, by means of seven intercalary months, which in the space of seventeen years we add to the 3d, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 16th, and 19th years. We learned from the Babylonians, continued he, to divide the day into twelve parts, varying in length according to the difference of the sea sons. These parts or hours, which name we now begin to give them, are marked for every month, on dials, with the length of the shadow corres- ponding to each of them. You know that, for any given months, the shade of the gnomon, when a certain number of feet in length, gives such or such a time of the day before or after noon; and that when any business is fixed upon for the morning or evening, we appoint the time by referring to the tenth or twelfth foot of the shadow; and this is the origin of the expression, What shade is it? You know likewise that our slaves are sent from time to time to consult the public dial, ‘to inform us of the hour. It has been remarked, that at the time of the solstices: the sun does not rise at the same point of the horizon; from whence it has been con- 1186 THE TRAVELS cluded that he has latitude, as well as the moon and planets. . The planets have celerities peculiar to them- selves, and unequal years. Mercury and Venus complete theirs in the same time with the sun; Mars finishes his in two years; Jupiter in twelve, and Saturn in thirty. The moon borrows her light from the sun; and eclipses of the sun and moon no longer terrify the people, since our astronomers are able to pre- dict them. It is demonstrated that some of the heavenly bodies are larger than the earth; but T know not whether the diameter of the sun be nine times greater than that of the moon, as Eudoxus has asserted. After long travelling in the sky, we returned to the earth. I observed to Euclid that we had not brought back many important truths after so long a journey; we shall be more fortunate, no doubt, ‘continued I, by confining ourselves to the globe we, inhabit. Euclid asked me how so ponderous a mass as the earth could maintain its equilibrium in air. It is the same with the earth, perhaps, as the planets and stars. But, said he, precautions have been taken to hinder them from falling, by attaching them to spheres extremely solid, but transparent: these spheres turn, and the heavenly bodies revolve with them; but we see nothing round us, by which the earth can be suspended—why therefore does it not plunge inta the depth of the surrounding fluid? Some say~——wV—OoOoOoOC Si oaeeetetemened OF ANACHARSIS. 187 the reason is, ‘because it is not on every side en- vironed by air; the earth is like a mountain, the foundation or roots of which extend themselves into the infinite profundity of space. We occupy the summit of this mountain, and may sleep in safety upon it. Others flatten the under part of it,thatitmay rest ona greater number of columns of air, or float upon the waters. But, in the first place, it is almost proved to be of a spherical form; and if we make choice of air to sustain it, that is too weak; if of water, it may be asked what does that rest upon? Our natural philoso- phers have lately discovered a more simple method of calming our apprehensions. By virtue of a general law, say they, all heavenly bodies tend towards one great point, which is the centre of the universe, the centre of the earth. All the Gonstitutent parts of the earth, therefore, instead of flying off from this centre, are continually pressing against each other to approach it. When I enquired what were the countries known to the Greeks, Euclid wished to refer me to the historians I had read; but I urged him with so much earnestness, that he at length con- tinued as follows: Pythagoras and Thales first divided the heavens into five zones; two frozen, two temperate, and one extending to a certain distance on each side of the equator. In the last century Parmenides transferred the same division to the earth: and it is marked on the sphere you ave before you. Man-can only subsist on a188 THE TRAVELS small part of the surface of the terraqueous globe; the extremes of heat and cold not suffering him to inhabit the regions near the poles, or those adjoining to the equinoctial line; they have mul- tiplied only in temperate climates. _ To the north of the Euxine Sea we find the Scythian nations; some of which cultivate the _ earth, and others wander over their vast domi- nion. The countries still further are inhabited by different nations and tribes, and among others by the anthropophagi.— Who are not Scythians, said I, eagerly. I know it, replied he; and our historians have properly distinguished them: be- yond this barbarous people we suppose there are immense desarts. To the east, the conquests of Darius have made us acquainted with the nations which reach as far as the. Indus. It is said that beyond that river, there is another country as ex- tensive as all the rest of Asia, which is India: a very small part of it is subject to the kings af . Persia, who annually draw from it a considerable tribute in gold dust; but of the rest we have no knowledge. Toward the north-east, beyond the ot Sea, dwell several nations, the names of which have been transmitted with the additional cir- cumstance, that some of them sleep six months together, that others again have only one eye, &c. You will judge from these stories of our geographical knowledge. To the westward we have penetrated as far asOF ANACHARSIS. 189 the Pilliars of Hercules, and have a confused idea of the nation inhabiting the coast of Iberia; but to the interior parts of the country we are utter strangers. Beyond these pillars is a sea called the Atlantic, which from appearance ex- tends as far as the eastern parts of India. It is frequented only by the ships of Tyre and Car- thage, which are afraid to venture out of sight of land. After passing the straits, some of them go southward, and sail along the coast of Africa; others again go northward, to exchange their merchandize for the tin of the Capiterides islands, the position of which is unknown to the Greeks.’ Several attempts have been made to extend geography to the southward. It is pretended that by order of Nicos, who reigned about two hundred and fifty years ago in Egypt, some ves- sels manned with Phoenicians took their departure from the Arabian Gulph, made the circuit of Africa, and returned after a voyage of two years to Egypt, by the straits of Cadir*; but these en- terprises, supposing this account to be true, have been no further prosecuted. Commerce was un- able to repeat such long and dangerous voyages, in the hope of precarious advantages, Merchants have contented themselves with frequenting the eastern and western coasts of Africa; and on the. latter the Carthaginians have established a con- siderable number of colonies. It is asserted like- © The modern Cadiz.t90 THE TRAVELS wise that several great nations exist in that part of the earth; but we aré not told,their names. Our mathematicians pretend that the circum- ference of the earth contains four hundred thou- sand stadia: I know not whether this estimate be " Just, but I am very sure that we are scarcely ac+ uainted with one quarter of that circumference. — Journey through Beotia— Hesiod-—Pindar. "TRAVELLERS may pursue their route with great safety through every part of Greece; there are inns in the principal cities, and on the great toads; but strangers are in general greatly im- posed upon. As the country is almost every- where intercepted with hills and rising grounds, carriages are only made use of for short jourtties, and then it is often necessary to put a drag on . the wheels; in those of any length mules are preferable; and the traveller should take slaves with him to carry his baggage. Besides the hospitable reception which the Greeks in general are always ready to give to strangers, there are, in the chief towns, pergons called proxeni, who are expressly appointed for that purpose. There are sometimes individuals connected by commerce, or the bonds of hos- pitality, with the inhabitants of another city; sometimes persons invested with a public cha- racter, and appointed to be agents of a city orOF ANACHARSIS. 191 nation, which has chosen them by a solemn de- cree, with the consent of the people to whom they belong. The proxenus of a city finds lodgings for its deputies whom he accompanies every-where, and avails himself of his credit to ensure the success of his negociation ; he pro- cures likewise, for such of its inhabitants as tra- vel, all the accommodations in his power. This assistance we experienced in many of the Grecian cities. In some places individuals anticipated our wishes in the hope of obtaining the good opinion of the Athenians, whose agents they were desirous to become, and of enjoying, if they should come to Athens, certain privileges annexed to that title; such as the permission to be present at the general assembly, and the precedency at religious ceremonies as well as the public games. The town of Tanagra, situated on an eminence, makes a handsome appearance, the greatest part of the houses being ornamented with encaustic paintings and vestibules. The territory of this town, watered by a small river called Thermodon, is covered with olives and various kinds of trees. It produces little corn, but the best wine in Boeo- tia. Though the inhabitants are rich, they are strangers to luxury and its attendant excesses. They are accused of being envious; yet we only observed among them sincerity, hospitality, and a love of justice. They fly from idleness, detest illicit gain, and live contented with their situa- tion. There is not a place in Bootia where tra- ea192 THE TRAVELS vellers meet with fewer impositions; and I think I discovered the secret of their virtues; which is, that they prefer agriculture to the other arts. So great is their veneration for their gods, that they build their temples only in situations sepa- rate from the habitation of mortals. They pretend that Mercury once delivered them from the plague, by carrying a ram round the town upon his shoulders; and therefore represent him in his temple carrying a ram; and on the day of his festival perpetuate the memory of his benefi- cence by a ceremony in which a beautiful youth represents the god; for the Greeks are persuaded that the offerings made to the gods are more ac+ ceptable when presented by youth and beauty. Corinna was of Tanagra, and cultivated poe- try with success. We saw her tomb in the most conspicuous part of the town, and her portrait in the Gymnasium. On reading her works, we are tempted to ask why, in poetical competitions, they were so often preferred to those of Pindar ; but when we view her portrait, we are rather sur- prised they did not always obtain the preference. We left Tanagra, and after travelling two hun- dred stadia*, along a rough and difficult road, we arrived at Platea: once a powerful city, but now buried beneath its ruins. It was situated at the foot of mount Citheron, in the beautiful plain watered by the Asopus, where Mardonius ® Seven leagues and a half.OF ANACHARSIS. 193 ‘was once defeated at the head of three hundred thousand Persians. Festivals are instituted to perpetuate the me- mory of this great event; and it was determined that funeral ceremonies should be annually cele- brated on the spot, in honour of the Grecks who fellin the engagement. Such institutions are very common among the Greeks. They know that monuments alone are transient records of illustrious deeds, or at best inadequate to excite others to emulate them. Hence is preferred ge- . neral and solemn assemblies, in which every year the names of the heroes who have devoted them- selves to death, are repeated with a loud voice, the eulogium of their virtues is pronounced by the ablest orators, and their countrymen, proud of hearing it, resort thither to shed tears over their tombs; which are indced the noblest ho- nours that can be decreed to valour. The following is a description of the ceremo- nies annually observed by the Plateans. At break of day, a trumpeter sounding a charge opencd the procession: next came several chariots filled with chaplets and branches of myrtle; and after them a black bull, followed by young men carrying vessels full of milk, wine, and dit- ferent sorts of perfumes: then came the first ma- gistrate of the Plateans, clad in a purple robe, holding a vase in one hand, and in the other a sword. The procession crossed the city, and when at tht field of battle, the magistrate drew @194 " THE TRAVELS some water from a neighbouring fountain, washed the cippi or columns erected over the graves, sprinkled them with essences, and sacrificed the bull. Then after addressing prayers to Jupiter and Mercury, he invited the shades of the war- riors slain in battle to partake of the libations; after which, filling his cup with wine, he poured out a part of it, and said aloud, ‘I drink to those valiant men who died for the liberty of Greece.” . Our road next lay through the town of Leuc- tra, near to which was fought that battle which overthrew the power of Lacedsemon. We slept at a place named Ascra, which is only a hamlet, but it is the country of Hesiod. The next day a nafrow path brought us to the sacred grove of the Muses: in our ascent we ", stopped on the brink of the fountain Aganippe, and afterwards at the statute of Linus, one of the most ancient Grecian poets: Proceeding on- wards, we next entered some beautiful alleys, and imagined ourselves transported to thé court of the Muses. Their statues are numerous, ex- ecuted by different artists; and they here evince their power by the various monuments which- decorate and seem to animate these solitary re- treats. A great number of tripods of bronze are seen on all sides; the illustrious reward of genius crowned at the competitions of poetry and music, and dedicated by the victors themselves on this hallowed ground. i , rOF ANACHARSIS. 195 ‘We were now on Helicon, that hill so famous for the pureness of the air, the abundance of its waters, its fertile vallies, the coolness of its shade, and the beauty of the venerable trees which clothe its summit. The neighbourmg peasants assured us that the plants, which grow on it are so salu- brious, that after feeding on them, serpents lose their venom; and extraordinary sweetness is at- tributed to the fruit produced here. The Muses reign on Helicon: their history is only filled with absurd traditions, but their origin is indicated by their name*. It seems as if the first poets, enchanted with the beauties of naure, were led to invoke the nymphs of the woods, hills, and fountains; and that yielding to the prevail- ing taste of allegory, they gave them names re- lative to the influence they might be supposed to have over the productions of the mind. At first three muses only were admitted—Melete, Mu- eme, and Acede; that is to say, the meditation or reflection necessary to study; memory, which records illustrious deeds; and song, which ac- companies their recital. In progress of time, as improvement was made in the art of versification, its characters and effects were personified, the numbers of the muses encreased, and the names they now received referred to the charms of * Ento signifies theamiable, Urania, the celestial; Caliope, ele- gance of language; Euterpe, she who plenses; Thalia, lively joy and festivity; Mclpomenc, she who delighteth in singing; Poly- menia, multiplicity of songs; Terpsechore, she who delighteth it dance; Clio, glory : o3196 THE TRAVELS : poetry, its celestial origin; the beauty of its lan- guage, the pleasure and gaity it inspires, the song and the dance which add to it new charms, and the glory with which it is crowned. Afterward the Graces were associated with them, whose employment it is to embellish poetry, and Love, who is so frequently its object. These ideas took birth in a barbarous country, in Thrace, where Orpheus, Linus, and their disci- ples suddenly appeared in the midst of ignorance: the Muses were honoured there on the Pierian mount, and extending their dominion, succes- sively took their stations on Pindus, Parnassus, Helicon, and all those solitary places, where the painters of nature, surrounded by the most pleas- ing images, experienced the divine glow of in- spiration. ‘ “On quitting these delicious retreats, we pro- ceeded to Lebadea, and to the cave of Tropho- nius, one of the celebrated oracles of Greece. The road leading from Lebadea to the cave is full of temples and statues.‘ A little above the sacred wood the cavern is excavated, and presents a sort of vestibule surrounded with a ballustrade of white marble, on which are placed obelisks of ‘brass. From thence you enter a grotto, hewn out of the rock with a chissel, eight cubits high ‘and four wide: in this‘is the entrance of the ca- vern, which is descended into by means of a lad- der, and’ when at a certain depth, the person who descends finds a very farrow aperture, throughOF ANACIIARSIS. 197 which he must pass his fect; and when with much difficulty he has introduced the rest of his body, he feels himself hurried along with the ra- pidity of a torrent to the very bottom of the ca- vern. It is not permitted to enter the cavern but in the night, after long preparations, and a strict examination. Among others, the person is led to two adjacent springs, one of which is ‘called the fountain ‘of Lethe, and the other of Mnesnosym: the first effaces the memory of things past; the second imprints on the mind what is to be seen or heard in the cavern, The greater part of those who return. from the cavern are for some time in a state of insensibility, and retain for their whole lives an air of melancholy that nothing can remove; and which has given rise to the proverbial expression upon seeing a gloomy person, He comes from the cave of Tro- phonius. Among the vast number of oracles with which Boeotia abounds, there is none where the imposture is more palpable and easy to be seen through, nor is there any which is more frequented. : Thebes may be said to be the capital of Bao- tia, and one of the most considerable cities of Greece. It is surrounded with walls and defended by towers. It has seven gates, and is forty- three stadia* in circumference; and the citadel is on an eminence, where the first inhabitants of * One league, 1563 toises. a3198 ‘THE TRAVELS Thebes formed their settlement. The environs are embellished by two rivers, by meadows and gardens. The streets, like those of all ancient * cities, are irregular, but the decorations are mag- nificent, and the statues of great beauty. In the temple of Apollo Ismenius, amidst a great num- ber of brazen tripods of excellent workmanship, ° there is one of gold: an offering of Croesus king of Lydia. These tripods have been presented by nations and individuals. Perfumes are burnt on them; and as they are of an elegant make, they serve as ornaments to the temples. Thebes, as well as the greater part of the cities of Greece, contains a theatre, a gymnasium, 4 place of exercise for youth, and a large public square or forum. The city is extremely popu- Jous, and its inhabitants, like those of Athens, are divided into three classes: the first composed of citizens, the second of naturalized foreigners, the third of slaves. Two parties, hostile to each other, have accasioned frequent revolutions in the government: the one in secret correspon- dence with the Lacedemonians, wished to esta- blish an oligarchy; the other, favoured by the Athenians, was friendly to democracy. ‘The par- tizans of the latter system have prevailed of late years, and the authority is now vested solely in the people. The chiefs of their assemblies, known by the name of Beotarchs, are eleven in number: they have great influence in all deliberations, and ge~SS ~~ ae EEEEeEPReeeoaas OF ANACHARSIS. 5 199 nerally have the command of the armies. Sucha power would be dangerous, were it permanent; but those invested with it must resign it at the end of the year under pain of death, even were they at the head of a victorious army, and on the eve of obtaining the most signal advantages. The country they inhabit is more fertile than that of Attica, and produces a great quantity of corn, of very excellent quality; and by the happy situation of their ports, they are enabled to trade, on one side, with Italy, Sicily, and Africa; and on the other, with Egypt, the isle of Cyprus, Macedonia and the Hellespont. fl The people employ their time more in bodily than in mental exercises: they possess neither facility of expression, the graces of elocution, nor the knowledge to be derived from study, nor those pleasing manners, which are more the work of art than nature. It must not be supposed, however, that Boeotia has produced no men of genius: several Thebans have done honour to the school of Socrates. Epaminondas was not less distinguished for his knowledge than his mi- litary talents; and it was the birth place of He- siod, Corinna, and Pindar. ‘ Hesiod excelled in that kind of poetry which Tequires little elevation; Pindar in that which soars; and he flourished at the time of the expe- dition of Xerxes. He applied himself to every species of poetry, but principally owed his fame to the hymns demanded of him, either to honour: o4£00 THE TRAVELS ‘the festivals of the gods, or to celebrate the tri- umphs of the victors at the public games. No- thing can be more difficult than such a'task: the tribute of praise required from the poet must be ready ata stated day ;,it has always the same scenes to paint; and he is in perpetual danger of soaring above, or sinking beneath his subject. But Pindar felt an internal power superior to such trifling obstacles, and which extended his views beyond the limits of other men. His vigorous and independent genius never advances but in bold, irregular, and impetuous movements. Are the gods the subject of his odes, he soars like an eagle to the celestial throne;—is he to sing of men, he rushes in the lists like an ungovernable courser: he every where pours forth a torrent of sublime images and resplendent language. All his subjects are ennobled, and acquire a character of majesty. He had both illustrious sovereigns and obscure citizens to celebrate; but in either it is not the man that he considers, the victor only is his theme. The recent victories gained by the Greeks over the Persians, had confirmed to them that nothing elevates the mind more than conspicuous testi- monics of the public esteem. Pindar availing himself of circumstances, and collecting at the same time the most energetic expressions and brilliant metaphors, seemed to borrow the voice of thunder, that he might say to the states of Greece, Suffcr not the divine flame enkindled inOF ANACHARSIS. 201 our hearts to be extinguished; excite every spe- cies of emulation, honour every kind of merit ; be assured that acts of fortitude and sublimity can alone be performed by the man who lives for glory. To the Greeks assembled in the plains of Olympia, he said, Behold those athlete, who have engaged in contests so arduous and so dan- gerous to obtain a few olive leaves in your pre- sence. What will you not perform then, when called on to averrge your country! Pindar never dwelt on personal qualities; but as the virtues of kings entitle them to real glory, he extols them for the good they have done, and shews them what they have the power of doing. ** Be just,” adds he, ‘in all your actions, “ faithful in all your words ; and remember that “ thousands of witnesses have their eyes fixed “upon you,” He neither lavished incense, nor would he grant every one the right to offer it. ‘‘ Praises,” said he, ‘are the reward of sublime actions ; “ the virtues are nourished by their benignant - * dew, as plants by the dew of heaven; but it is “« for the man of warth only to praise.the wor- “ thy man,” Notwithstanding the apparent disorder of his stile, his poetry has always been universally admired; and the most discerning judges _ will always rank him among the first of lyric poets, whilst philosophers quote his maxims, and re- spect his authority. - :202 THE TRAVELS The Thebans say he has given his own por- trait in his writings. I affix no value on riches, says he, except when tempered and embellished by the virtues, that they enable us to acquire immortal glory. My words are never distant from my thoughts. I love my friend, and hate my enemy, but I attack him not with the wea- pons of calumny and satire. Envy obtains from me only a contempt that humiliates it. Amid the flow and ebb of joy and grief which roll over the head of mortals,- who is there that can flatter himself he shall enjoy constant feli- city! I have cast my eyes around me, and per- ceive that man is happiest in mediocrity. I have bewailed the destiny of the great, and prayed the gods not to overwhelm me with the burden of such prosperity; I walk through simple paths, contented with my lot, and beloved by my fel- low-creatures ; all my ambition is to please them, without relinquishing the’privilege of freely ex- plaining my thoughts upon whatever I deem honourable and dishonourable. In this dispo- sition I tranquilly approach old age ; happy if I~ can bequeath to my children, the most precious inheritance of all others, that of an unblemished name. i The wishes of Pindar were accomplished; he lived in tranquillity and glory; the Athenians and all the states of Greece loaded him with honours; and Corinna herself did justice to the supcriority of his genius.OF ANACHARSIS. 203 The Thebans are courageous, insolent, and vain ; the women are tall, well made, and gene- rally of a fair complexion; their carriage is no- ble, and their dress not inelegant; their voice remarkably sweet and tender; that of the men harsh and disagreeable, and in some measure suited to their character. : No traces of this character, however, are to be found in a body of young warriors, named the Sacred Battalion, who, to the number of three hundred, are brought up together, and maintained at the public expende in the citadel. Their exercises, and even their amusements, are tegulated by the sound of the flute. To prevent their carnage from degenerating into blind fury, care is taken to inspire them with the noblest sen- timents. Each warrior must chuse from the band a friend to whom he remains inseparably united. All his ambition is to please him, to merit his es- teem, to share his pleasures and sufferings in life, and his labours and dangers in battle. If per- sonally incapable of self-respect, he still must re- spect himself in a friend whose censure consti- tutes his most cruel punishment, and his praises his most exquisite enjoyment. This almost su- pernatural union makes them prefer death to in- famy, and the acquisition of glory to every in- ferior object. One of these warriors, in the heat of the engagement, was thrown with his face © upon the ground ; when seeing one of the enemy on the point of stabbing him in the back, “Stay,”204 THE TRAVELS said he, raising himself up, “‘ plunge your sword “into my breast; my friend would have too “‘ much reason to blush, were it suspected I re- *€ ceived my death-wound in flight.” Philip destroyed t}is invincible cohort at Che- ronea; and this prince seeing these young The- bans stretched out on the field of battle, covered with honourable wounds, and lying side by side on the ground on which they had been stationed, could not withhold his tears, and gave an equal testimony to their virtues as to their valour. Beotia may be considered as a large bason sur- rounded by mountains, the different chains of . which are conriected by the high grounds. Most of the rivers which proceed from them unite in Lake Copais, which is three hundred and eighty stadia in circumference, which neither has nor can have any apparent issue: it would therefore soon overflow Boeotia, had not nature, or rather the industry of man, contrived several passages to drain off the water. After passing through Opoes and other towns belonging to the Locrians, we arrived at the straits of Thermopyle. I entered with a sacred awe this famous defile, where four thousand Greeks made head against the innumerable army of the Per- sians, and where Leonidas fell with his three hun- dred Spartans. It is a narrow passage, shut in on one side by lofty mountains, and on the other by the sea. We visited the therme, or hot baths, from which it received the name of Thermopyle.OF ANACIIARSIS. 205 We saw likewise the little eminence to which the companions of Leonidas retired after the death of that hero: we followed their footsteps to the other extremity of the strait, and to the tent of Xerxes, whom they resolved to immolate in the amidst of his army. A variety of circumstances gave birth to the sensation we experienced. That sea, once stained with the blood of nations; those mountains, with their summits concealed in the clouds; the pro- found solitude which reigned, and the memory of so many glorious deeds, as it were, presented to our eyes at sight of the places which had been the scenes of action; when looking round, our eyes met those monuments erected on the emi- nence I have just mentioned: they are small cip- pi, in honour of the three hundred Spartans and the other Grecian troops engaged in the combat. Inscribed on the first we read, ‘‘ Here four thou- sand Greeks of Peloponnesus fought against three millions of Persians:” and on the second was this inscription by Simonides, ‘Traveller, go tell to Lacedemon, that we lie here in obedience to her sacred laws!” With what sublime compo- sure and grandeur do these few words transmit events so glorious to posterity! The names of Leonidas and his three hundred companions are not recorded in the inscription, as it was pre- sumed they could never be forgotten. I have heard several Greeks repeat them from memory. Near to these funeral monuments is a trophy206 THE TRAVELS erected by Xerxes, which honours the vanquish- ed, and not the victors. —>* Thessaly—Vailey of Tempe. AFTER leaving the straits of Thermopylae we entered Thessaly, where on the right isseen mount Olympus. Opulent cities are seated on the heights that encircle the plains ; and this country is wa- tered by rivers falling in general into the Peneus, which, before it loses itself in the sea, flows through the valley of Tempe. The land of Thessaly is so tich, that the corn would grow too fast if they did not cut it, or turn in sheep to graze on it. No troops are more famous than the Thessa- lian cavalry ; and they are said to be the first who managed the horse with the bit, and made use ‘of them in battle: hence originated, it has been supposed, the tradition that a race of creatures, called Centaurs, half men and half horses, for- merly existed in Thessaly. This proves at least the antiquity of riding on horseback among them; and their prediliction for this exercise is evident by a ceremony still observed at their marriages. After the sacrifices and customary rites, the bridegroom presents his spouse with a horse deck- . ed out with all the military trappings. ‘We were impatient to visit Tempe. This name is common to several vallcys in the distriét ; but it is particularly given to that formed by the ap-OF ANACHARSIS. : 207 proach of mount Olympus and Ossa. We arrived at Gonnus: the valley here begins, and the river is confined between mount Ossa on the right and mount Olympus on the left, and which is some- thing more than ten stadia * in height. — According to ancient tradition, these moun- - tains, Olympus and Ossa, were separated by an earthquake, that opened a passage for the waters which overflowed the country. The mountains are covered with poplars, planes, and ash-trees of astonishing beauty ; and from their side issue springs of water pure as crystal; and from the intervals of their summits currents of cool air meet the delighted traveller. The river in most parts presents a peaceful stream, and in some laces encloses islands, which it keeps in a per- petual state of verdure. Grottos, excavated on the side of the hills, and plats of grass along the banks of the river, seem to indicate the asylum of repose and pleasure. Laurels and different kinds of shrubs form themselves into harbgurs and groves, and exhibit a beautiful contrast with the clumps of trees dispersed over the foot of moynt Olympus. The rocks are clothed with a “species of ivy, and the trees ornamented with plants which wind round their trunks and drop in festoons and garlands. The warbling of the birds too is rendered still more melodious, by the solitude which reigns. Every object, in a word, contributes to form the most picturesque scenery ; * 960 toiscs (one mile 285 yards.)208 THE TRAVELS and such is the refrehing coolness of this spot, that it seems to inspire new life and vigour. The sensations of the Greeks being so lively, and the climate they inhabit so warm, it is not surprising if they experience inexpressible plea~, sure at the sight, or even at the recollection of the valley of Tempe. The narrow passes of mount Olympus, tradition has made the scene of com- bat between the Titans and the gods. There an impetuous torrent, rushing precipitately over a bed of rocks, seemed to shake them by its fall. We then came to a spot where the waves, labour- ing to force a passage, dashed against each other, flew up, and fell back, roaring, into a gulph, from whence they shot forth again, to break and foam in the air. Contemplating these scenes, I found myself enclosed betwecn two black and arid mountains, round which were deep and frightful abysses. Near to their summits the clouds moved heavily along, through gloomy trees, or seemed to hang suspended on their steril branches. Looking downwards, nature ap+ peared in ruins; mountains separated, covered with their own fragments, presented to the eye only menacing rocks confusedly piled together. What power has broken the bands which unite such enormous masses? Was it the elements or a general destruction? or, as tradition gives out, the terrible effect of the offended gods? Near to Thermopyle, is the little village of’ Anthela, famous for a temple of Ceres, whereOF ANACHARSIS. 209 the assembly of the Amphictyons is held every year. This council would be in effect the most useful, and, as such, one of the noblest institu- tions, if those motives which first gave rise to its establishment had not been corrupted and over- powered by the jarring passions and interest of the rulers of the people. Different accounts are given of the origin of this council; but certain it is, that, at a very remote period, twelve nq- tions of the northern part of Greece, the Do- rians, Beeotians, Thessalians, &c. entered into a confederation to prevent the evil corisequences attendant on war, and it was regulated that they should send deputies every year to Delphi; that - the temple of Apollo, where they had taken their oath, should ever be defended and held sacred ; and that every attempt upon the rights of the people whom they protected should be referred to their assembly ; that the deputies of the twelve nations should bind themselves to confirm and execute the decrees of this august tribunal. It. is held in spring at Delphi, and in the autumn at the village of Anthela: its jurisdiction still con- tinues over the greater part of Greece. Epirus is separated from Thessaly by mount Pindus, by which, with the gulph of Ambracja, it is in some measure likewise separated from the rest of Greece. Chains of mountains cover the interior of the country: but toward the sea-coast™ it is pleasant and fruitful. Among the rivers of Epirus, is that of Acheron and Cucytus; the wa- ?210 THE TRAVELS - ters of which are disagreeable to the taste: Not far from this is a spot named Avernus, or Aor-: nus, from which a vapour arises that infects the air of the surrounding parts. By these marks we easily discover the spot where, in remote ‘times, they placed the infernal regions. As Epi- rus was then the most distant country westward known to the Greeks, it passed for the abode of darkness; but as by degrees the boundaries of the world extended, this was changed, and Italy and Iberia were then successively fixed upon; and always the western extremity where the light of day seemed to be extinguished. ‘To the westward of Epirus is the city of Do- dona, and a temple of Jupiter with the most an- cient oracle of Greece. This oracle subsisted when the inhabitants of these parts had but a very confused idea of the Divinity; yet even then were they anxious to read futurity: so true is it, that the wish to attain this knowledge may be reckoned among the most early and fatal ma ladies of the human mind. We visited the famous leap of Leucata, said to be a remedy for disappointed love ; where we saw the tomb of Artemisa queen of Caira, who gave such signal proofs of courage at the battle of Sa- lamis. Being enamoured of a young man who did not return her affection, she came to seek relief at the leap of Leucata, where she perished ‘in spite of the efforts made to save her. Others tov have been seen, like her, to ascend the pro-OF ANACHARSIS. gil montory, and after offering a sacrifice in the temple of Apollo, there take an oath to throw themselves into the sea. Such too was the end of the unhappy Sappho: when abandoned by Phaon, she sought this relief to her sufferings, and.found only her death. These examples have so discre- dited the leap of Leucata, that few have been since known to make the trial. =>. Tour of Elis—Olympic Games—Temple of Jupiter. LIS is but a small country; and its coasts are washed by the Ionian sea, It is divided into three vallies: in that to the north is the city of - Elis; and in the intermediate one is situated the temple of Jupiter, near the river Alpheus. The inhabitants of this country long enjoyed the most undisturbed tranquillity. All the states of Greece considered them as consecrated to Jupi- ter, and carried their respect so far, that foreign troops laid down their arms on entering the country. At present they rarely enjoy this ex- emption; yet, notwithstanding the occasional wars to which they have been exposed in latter times, dissentions, which still subsist in certain Cities, are unknown to them. Elis is the most _plentiful and best peopled district of Pelopon- ‘nesus ; its plains, which are generally fertile, are covered with laborious slaves; and agriculture is iu the most flourishing state, because the go- yernment bestow on the industrious rustics the Pa 'aig ¢ THE TRAVELS attention which this class of useful citizens are justly entitled to. The city of Elis, like many other of the Gree cian cities, was formed by the union of its seve- ral hamlets: it is ornamented with temples, sump- tuous ‘edifices, and a number of statues, some of which are by the hand of Phidias. Nothing contributes so much’to the celebrity of this province as the Olympic games, cele- brated every fourth year in honour of Jupiter. Each city in Greece has its festivals, which as- semble all its inhabitants: but four grand solem- nities unite all the Grecian states; these are the Pythian or Delphic games, the Isthmian or Co- . rinthian, the Ncmean, and the Olympic. The Olympic games, instituted by Hercules, were, after having been long discontinued, re- vived by the advice of the celebrated Lycurgus, and by the attention of Iphitus, sovercign of the district of Elis. . : The games were about to be celebrated for the one hundredth and sixth time, when we arrived at Elis*. All the inhabitants were preparing for this. august solemnity. I should have been surprised at the importance they annex to the celebration of these games, were I not well acquainted with the ardour gf the Grecks for public festivals and shows, and the utility and advantages the Eliane derive from the celebration of them. * In the summer of the year 856 before the Christian sere.OF ANACHARSIS. . 218 The first day of these games falls on theeleventh of the month Hecatombzon, which begins with the new moon following the summer solstice. ‘They continue five days; and, at the conclusion of the last, which is upon the full moon, a solemn proclamation is made of the names and country of the victors.. They open in the evening with sacrifices offered at the different altars ereted in honour of the deities, either in or near the temple of Jupiter. The ceremonies continued till night was far advanced, and by-moon-light, with a re- gularity and magnificence which at once impresses astonishment and reverence. At midnight, as soon as these were ended, most of the people pre- sent, with that earnestness which never ceases daring the whole of the festivals, repaired in- stantly to take their places in the course, the better to enjoy the sight of the games which were to.commence at day-break. The Olympic course is divided into two parts, the Stadium andthe Hippodromus. ‘The Stadium is a causeway six hundred feet long, and of a pro- portionable width ; and this is the place for the foot-races and most of the combats. The Hip- + podromus is appropriated to races of chatiots and ne \ horses: one side of it stretches along a hill; the Other side, which is something lower, is formed * by a causeway; it is six hundred feet broad, and « twelve hundred long, and is separated from the Stadium by a building named the Barrier; in the } inside of which are crected out-houses for the PP?owe 214 THE TRAVELS chariots and horses. The Stadium and Hippo- dromus are decorated with statues, altars, and other monuments, to which are affixed the list and order of the combats to be exhibited during the festivals. The order of the combats generally observed, is to dedicate the morning to what are called the lighter exercises, such as races of every kind; and the afternoon to those which are termed heavy or violent, as wrestling, pugilistic combats, &c. At the first dawn of day we repaired to the Sta- dium, which was already filled with athletz, ex- ercising themselves in preparatory skirmishes, and surrounded by a multitude of spectators; while others, in still greater numbers, were taking their stations confusedly on a hill which formed an amphitheatre above the course. On all sides were heard the sound of trumpets, chariots flying over the plain, and the ‘neighing of horses mingled with the shouts of the multitude. _ : A-moment after, we saw the athlete suspend their exercises, and take the road to the sacred precincts, We followed them, and saw in the chamber of the senate the eight presidents of the games, dressed in rich habits and all the insignia of their dignity. Here at the foot of the statue of Jupiter, and on the bleeding members of the victims, the athlete called the gods to witness: that they had been exercising ten months at the combats in which they were ‘about to engage ; and solemnly vowed not to employ. unfair meana, but to conduct themselves with honour,: OF ANACHARSIS. 2s: ~ This ceremony ended, we returned fo the Sta- dium. The athlete entered the barrier, at the- hither end of which they stripped off their clothes, - put buskins on their feet, and had their bodies . mabbed with oil. Subordinate officers were sta- tioned on all sides, both in the cowrse and among the numerous crowd of spectators, to preserve ° order. When the presidents had taken their places, a herald proclaimed, ‘ Let the runners in the Sta- “dium advance.” A great number instantly ap- peared and stationed themselves in a line, accord- ing to the rank assigned them by lot. The he-- rald recited their names, and the country from whence they came: if any of these names had been rendered illustrious by some preceding vic- tory, they were received .with the loudest ap- plauses. After the herald had added, ‘‘ Can any “one reproach these athlete with having been ‘in bondage, ot of leading an improper life?” there reigned a profound silence; and I felt: the same anxiety, the same interest which animated every heart present, and which is not to be ex-" perienced in the spectacles of other nations. ‘When the trumpet gave the sound, the,runners set-off; and like lightning reached the goal, where sat the presidents of the games. The he- tald proclaimed the name of Porus of Cyrene, which was re-echoed by a thousand voices. The honour which he obtained is the first and most splendid of those decreed at the Olympic TA216 THE TRAVELS games, the simple race of the Stadium being the most ancient of any that. are practised at these festivals. On the following days other champions were called upon to run the double Stadium; others followed that ran twelve times the length of the- Stadium, - The victors are not crowned till the last day of the festivals; but at the end of the race they re- ceived, or rather carried off a temporary palm; and this might be said to be the commencement of a series of triumphs: every one thronged to see and congratulate them; their- friends and countrymen, shedding teats of joy, lifted them on their shoulders to shew them to the crowd and to receive their applauses, who strewed, handfuls of flowers over them. : The next day we repaired early to the Hippo- dromus, where horse and chariot-races were to begin. These can only take place between the rich, as they are attended with great expence : nor are the candidates for these prizes obliged personally to contend for them; sovercigns and republics frequently rank themselves among the competitors, entrusting their glory to able horse- men. One of the victors now contended for the prize in the name of Philip king of Macedon, wha aspired to every species of glory, and that with 60 much success, that he entreated Fortune to temper her favour by some arlverse. accident;OF ANACHARSIS. 217 for within the space of a few days he had gained this viGtory at the Olympic games; Parmenio, one of his generals, had defeated the Illyrians; and his wife Olympia was brought-to-bed of a son, the celebrated Alexander. It may be supposed that rivals like these must excite the warmest emulation. Individuals too not only attempt to equal, but even to surpass -the magnificence displayed by sovereigns and states. It is still remembered that at the games in which Alcibiades was crowned, seven chariots entered the course in the name of that celebrated Athenian, and that three of them obtained. the first, second, and fourth prizes.. To obtain a better sight of the preparations, we went within the barrier, where we saw several magnificent chariots, before which different rope? were extended, which were to'drop one after the other, upon the signal for the chariots to set off. The persons who drove them were habited only in alight stuff: their coursers, whose ardour they eould scarcely restrain, attracted every eye by their beauty, and some also by the victories they had already gained. As soon as the signal was given, they advanced as far as the second line, and joining in this manner the other lines, until they all formed but one front at the starting- piace. In an instant we saw them covered with dust, crossing and jostling each other, and driv- ing their chariots with such rapidity, that the eye could scarcely follow them, Their impetu-218 THE TRAVELS osity redoubled when they came to the statue of a genius, who is said to inspire them with a secret ' terror, and is still more encreased on hearing the shrill sound of the trumpets placed near a certain boundary, famous for the accidents it occasions: this stretches across the course, and a narrow path only is left for the chariots, which often baffles the skill of the drivers; and this boundary must be doubled no less than twelve times, as they are required to run twelve times the length of the Hippodromus in going and returning. At each time of passing, some chariots had been hurried out of the lists; others had been dashed to pieces, and the course covered with their fragments. Five competitors now remain- ed; a Thessalian, a Libyan, a Syracusan, a Co- finthian, and a Theban. The three first were on the point of doubling the boundary for the last time, when the Thessalian, striking against it, fell entangled among the reins, and whilst his horses were rolling over those of the Libyan, who was close to him, the horses of the Syracusan plunged into a ditch on the edge of the course. The Hippodromus resounded with shouts and cries: in the mean time the Corinthian and The- ban came up, seized the favourable moment, passed the boundary, goaded their fiery steeds, and presented themselvés to the judges, who de- creed the first prize to the Corinthian, and the second to the Theban. ’ The Olympic games attract not only those whaOF ANACHARSIS. 219 have already acquired celebrity, but all likewise who wish to distinguish themselves by their ta- lents, their knowledge, or riches. Hither they resort to exhibit themselves to the multitude, ever ready to distinguish those who possess power and superiority. After the battle of Salamis, Themistocles appeared in the. midst of the Sta- diam, which instantly rung with shouts of ap- plause. The games were suspended, and all eyes fixed on him during the day: with exclamations of joy and admiration they pointed out to stran- gers the man who had saved Greece; and The- « mistocles himself acknowledged this to be the noblest day of his life. Wewere informed likewise that Plato was ho- noured in nearly the same manner at the last Olympiad: when he appeared at the games the whole assembly testified their joy at his presence in the most flattering manner. We were witnesses to a still more affecting scene: an old man looking for a place, which he in vain attempted to find on the different benches, from which he was repulsed with offensive plea- santries, until he came to that of the Lacedx- monians; when not only the youth, but most of the men respectfully rose and offered him their seats. The loudest plaudits were instantly heard on all sides. Upon which the old man observed, -*¢ The Greeks all know the rules of decorum, -* but it is the Lacedamonians only who practise # them,”220 THE TRAVELS The combats which followed the succeeding _ days, consisted of wrestling, boxing, &c. These are performed by athlete, who, if they escape with life, are generally maimed and disfigured. Hence it is that these combats are in the least estimation, and almost wholly abandoned to the inferior classes. The Greeks nevertheless seem to enjoy thesescenes of horror; and yet the Greeks are a humane and polished people. The last day of the festival was set apart to crown the victors. This ceremony, so glorious for them, was performed in the sacred wood, and preceded by pompous sacrifices. The victors then repaired in the retinue of the president of. the games to the theatre, dressed in rich habits, and . holding palms in their hands. They marched to the sound of the flute, and surrounded by an immense multitude shouting their applauses. Others were mounted on horses and in chariots; and the stately coursers, adorned With flowers, participated in the triumph. When arrived at the theatre, the presidents or- dered the chorusses to begin the hymn formerly compos@d by the poet Archilochus, to exalt the glory of the victors, and heighten the splendor of the ceremony. After the multitude had joined at each chorus their voices with that of the mu- sicians, the herald rose, and proclaimed that Po- Tus, a native of Sicyon, had gained the prize of the Stadium. This athleta then presented him- self to the chief of the presidents, who placed onOF ANACHARSIS. 221 his head a crown of wild olive, gathered like all those distributed at Olympia, from a tree grow- ing behind the temple of Jupiter, and which, from the use made of it, is become an object of public veneration. At this moment all the ex- pressions of joy and applause with which he had been honoured at the instant of victory, were renewed with such ardour and profusion, that Porus appeared to have attained the utmost sum- mit of human glory. In this light indeed he is viewed by the whole assembly; and I was no longer surprised at the labours and difficulties undergone, hor at the extraordinary effects. this concert of applause has sometimes produced. - We are told that, on a similar occasion, the sage: Chilo expired with joy while embracing his son, who had jast gained the victory. On the day of their coronation the victors of- fer up sacrifices by way of thanksgiving: their names are enrolled in the public archives of the Elians, and they are magnificently entertained in one of the halls of the Prytanzum. The fol- lowing days they themselves gave -entertain- ments, the pleasure of which was heightened by music and dancing. Poetry was likewise em- ployed to immortalize their fame, and sculpture to represent them in marble or in brass: some in the very attitude in which they had obtained the victory. According to ancient custom, these victors re- turn to their country with all the pageantry of a222 THE TRAVELS triumph, preceded and followed by a numierous train, clothed in a purple robe, and sometimes enter the city in a chariot drawn by two or four horses, through a breach made in the wall. In certain places they have a subsistence al- lotted them from the public treasury ; in others, they are exempt from all taxes: at Lacedemon _ they have the honour to combat near the king in the day of battle. Almost every where they have precedency at the local games; and the title of Olympic Victor added to their names, ensures them a preference and respect which constitute the happiness of their future lives. The horses who have been victorious are re- compensed by some with a comfortable old age, an honourable burial, and sometimes even a py- ramid is erected over their graves. We now departed for Olympia. This city, known likewise by the name of Pisa, is situated - on the right bank of the Alpheus, at the foot of an eminence called Mount Saturn. Within the Altis, which is a sacred wood of great extent, surrounded with walls, are the tem- ples of Jupiter and that of Juno, and several beautiful edifices, as also an innumerable number of statues. The temple of Jupiter is of the Doric order, surrounded with columns, and constructed with a stone brought from the adjoining quarries, which, though much lighter than Parian marble, is equally shining and hard. It is sixty-eighto OF ANACHARSIS. ae3 feet high, two hundred and thirty long, and ninety-five broad. This edifice was built by an able artist named Libon ; two sculptors of equal skill enriched the pediments of the principal front with learned and elegant ornaments. The gate by which it is entered is of brass, as is that ‘on the opposite side. On both are represented a part of the labours of Hercules. The roof is covered with pieces of marble, cut in the shape of tiles. On the summit of each pediment is a Victory of gilt brass, and at each angle a large vase of the same metal also gilt. The temple is divided by columns into three aisles or porticos, which, as well as the vestibule, contain a num- ber of offerings consecrated to Piety and Grati- tude: but the eye overlooking these objects, is quickly attracted by the statue and throne of Jupiter. This masterpiece of Phidias, and of the -art of sculpture, at the first glance fills.the spec- tator with admiration, and which is still more en- creased by a closer examination. : _ The figure of Jupiter is of gold and ivory; and though seated, rises almost to the ceiling of the temple. In his right hand he holds a Victory, dikewise of gold and ivory; in his left a sceptre “of beautiful workmanship, enriched with various species of metals, with an eagle on the top of it. The buskins are of gold, as is the mantle, on which are engraven figures of animals and flow- ers,’ particularly the lily. The throne is supported by four feet, as well as by intermediate columns224 THE TRAVELS u of the same height. The richest materials, the noblest arts, have all concurred in the embellish- ment of this throne. It is resplendent with gold, ivory, ebony, and precious stones, and decorated in every part with paintings and basso-relievos, Four of these basso-relievos adorn the front of each of the fore-feet ; the highest, represent four ’ Victories in the attitude of women dancing; the second, Sphinxes carrying away the children of the Thebans; the third, Apollo and Diana piercing with their darts the children of Niobe; and in the last are four other figures of Victory. - Phidias has not left the smallest intervals with- out an ortament. On the four beams which bind the feet of the throne, I enumerated no less than thirty-seven figures, some representing wrestlers, others the combat of Hercules and the Amazons. Over the head of Jupiter, on the upper part of the throne, we see on oné side the three Graces, whom he had by Eurynome ; and the three Sea- sons, whom he had by Themis. On the footstdol, as also on the base or estrade which sustains this enormous mass, are other basso-relievos ; most of them executed in gold, and representing the deities of Olympus. At the feet of Jupiter is this inscription, I am the work of Phidias the ‘Athenian, the son of Charmides. It is not allowed to approach the throne so neat as a curious observer might wish; as he is stop- ped at a certain distance by a balustrade, which encompasses it on every side, and is ornamentedOF ANACHARSIS. 225 with excellent paintings by Panenus, a pupil and relation of Phidias, who jointly with Colotes, another scholar of this great man, were employed toexecute some of the pringipal parts of this stupendous work.. It is said, that after it was compleated Phidias took off the veil which co- vered it, and corrected his performance by the opinion of the multitude. The sublime expression which he has given to the head and countenance of Jupiter, above all, claims the admiration of the spectator. In it the divine nature is pourtrayed with all the ma- jesty of power, and all the mildness of clemency. Heretofore artists had represented the sovereign of the gods only with ordinary features, devoid of elevation, and masked by no distinctive cha- racter. Phidias was the first who, if I may use the expression, attained to divine majesty, and added a new motive to the veneration of mortals, by exhibiting to their senses what they had bes fore invisibly adored. From what sources had he derived these exalted ideas? Poets would say that he had ascended into heaven, or that the god had come down to him; but he himself gives a . simpler and a nobler answer to those who put this question to him: he quoted the verses of Homer, . in which that poet says, a look of Jupiter suffices to shake Olympus. These verses awakening in the soul of Phidias the image of the truly beau- tiful, of that ideal beauty which is discoverable a226 THE TRAVELS only by the man of genius, and which produced the Jupiter of Olympia. The Elians, sensible of the value of this ad- mirable performance, still point out to strangers _ the workshop of Phidias, and perpetuate their rewards to the descendants of this great artist, by entrusting to them the care of preserving the statue in its original splendor. — Xenophon. XENOPHON resided at Scillus, a small town situated at the distance of twenty stadia from Olympia.* The troubles of Peloponnesus had once obliged him to leave his house to go and reside at Corinth, where I found him on my first atrival in Greece ; but as soon as they were — appeased, he returned to Scillus. The estate he possessed was considerable, and for which he was in part indebted to the generosity of the Lace- demonians. Some of the land he purchased to consecrate to Diana, and thus acquit him of a vow which he had made when returning from Persia: he reserved the tenth of its produce for . the maintenance of a temple he had erected to that goddess, and to defray the expence of a sumptuous sacrifice which he there offered every year. : i Near the temple was an orchard which pro- * About three quarters of a league. 4OF ANACHARSIS. 227 duced various sorts of fruits. The Selinus, a small river, gently rolled its limpid waters at the foot of a hill, and through the rich meadows in which the animals destined for sacrifiee, feed undisturbed. Within and without the sacred grounds were woods, distributed in the plain or on the mountain; and which formed retreats for the roebucks, stags, and wild boars, In this delightful abode it was that Xenophon composed the greater part of his works, and for anumber of years dedicated his days to the study of philosophy, agriculture, and the chace: those exercises which preserve freedom of mind, as likewise the health of the body. Xenophon appeared to be about seventy-five; and his countenance still retained vestiges of that beauty for which he had been remarkable in his youth. Born in a town of Attica, and edu- cated in the school of Socrates, in his early years he bore arms in the service of his country ; after which he entered as a volunteer in the army as- sembled by the younger Cyrus to dethrone his brother Artaxerxes king of Persia. After the death of Cyrus, Xenophon was entrusted, con- jointly with four other officers, with the com- mand of the Grecian troops, and it was then they made that beautiful retreat, as greatly to be admired as the relation he has given of it. On his return he entered into the service of Agesi- " laus king of Lacedemon, whose glory he shared. Some tinie after, the Athenians, jealous no doubt aa228 THE TRAVELS of the preference he had given the Lacedemo- nians, sentenced him to banishment. As nothing is more interesting than to study a great man in private life, we passed the greater part of the day listening to the conversations of Xenophon ; and in all our intercourse with him found the same mildness and elegance which shine so conspicuously in his writings. Some years previous to this period, his forti- tude and sensibility were put to a severe trial: Gryllus, his eldest son, who served in the Athe- nian cavalry, was killed at the battle of Manti- nea. The news ef his death was brought to Xe- nophon at the moment when he was offering a sacrifice to Diana, surrounded by his friends and domestics. In the midst of the ceremony a con- fused and plaintive murmur was heard, and the courier approached. The Thebans, said he, have * conquered, and Gryllus— (he stopped)—How! is he dead? said the unhappy father, taking the crown he wore from his brow. Yes, after having performed the bravest actions, and lamented by the whole army> continued the messenger. Up- on hearing which, Xenophon resumed his crown, and finished the sacrifice. I have known few philosophers so virtuous a9 Xenophon, or few men so amiable. With what obliging and graceful affability did he reply to all our questions! We enquired of him one day in what manner he had become acquainted with Socrates. I was extreniely young, said he, whenOF ANACHARSs!S, 2993! T met him accidentally in a. narrow street of Athens. Socrates stopped the way with his staff, and asked me where the necessaries of life were to be bought. I replicd, in the market. But where, continued he, may one learn to become good and virtuous? Perceiving that I hesitated, he added, Follow me, and I will teach you. 1 followed him, and from that time never left him till I joined the army of Cyrus. On my return 1 learnt that the Athenians had put to death the most virtuous of men... I had no other consola- tion but to transmit in my writing the proofs of his innocence to the nations of Greece, and per- haps also to posterity; as at present I know no greater than meditating on his virtues. Xenophon afterwards entered into a circum- stantial account of the system of life which So-. crates had embraced, and then explained to us his doctrine such as it really was, confined en- tirely to morals, without any mixture of foreign dogma, or those physical and metaphysical dis- cussions which Plato has attributed to his master ; and it must be allowed that the real opinions of Socrates are better learned jn the dialogues of Xenophon than in those of Plato. With a mind adorned with every useful know- ledge, and long habituated to reflection, Neno- phon wrote to render men better; and so great was his love of truth, that he treated no subject till he had carefully investigated the nature of it. His histories are facts, the greater part of which i a3220 THE TRAVELS ‘ he was an eye-witness to. He did not ‘write on the military art till after he had served and com- manded with the greatest distinction ; nor on mo- rals, till he had practised the lessons which he gave to others. One day, Diodorus, his son, Philotas, and myself, were walking on the banks of the Seli- nus, and entered into a warm dispute on the ty- ranny of the passions: they affirmed that love it- self could not enslave us against our will: I main- tained the contrary. Xenophon happening to join us, we immediately agreed to refer the ques- " tion to his decision; upon which he related the following story :— After the battle which the great Cyrus gained against the Assyrians, the plunder was divided ; and a superb tent, with a female captive, who surpassed all the others in beauty, reserved for that prince. This captive was Panthea, queen of Susiana. Abradates her husband was then in Bactriana, whither he had gone to bring up some succours to the Assyrian army. Cyrus refused to see the princess, and confided her to the custody of a young Median nobleman, named Araspes, who had been educated with him. Araspes describing to Cyrus the humiliating situation in which she was found, said, she was sitting on the ground surrounded by her wo- men, in the habit of a slave, with her head bowed down and covered with a veil. We de= sired her to rise; and wishing to comfort herOF ANACHARSIS. 231 told her, We know that your husband deserved your love by his illustrious qualities, but Cyrus, to whom you are destined, is the most accom- plished prince of the east. At these words she tore her veil; and her sighs and tears, and those of her women, painted in the liveliest manner her distressful situation. We had time to ob- serve her, and. are enabled to assure you, that Asia has never produced a beauty comparable to her; but of this you will soon be able to judge. No, replicd Cyrus, what you have said is an ad- ditional motive why I should avoid her. Were ‘I to see her once, I should wish to see her again, and should be in danger of forgetting the care of my fame and future conquest. And, can you believe, then, replicd the young Median, that beauty exercises her power with so imperious a sway, as to force us to neglect our duty in de- spite of ourselves? Why then docs she not tyran- nize over all hearts? No, we only love, when our will permits us todo so. If we could impose on ourselves this yoke at pleasure, replied Cyrus, we could at pleasure throw it off. It is feeble, and inert minds only, said Araspes, who impute to the power of love, what is merely the conse- quence of their own weakness: nobler minds are ever able to subject their passions to their duty. Araspes, said Cyrus, as he left him, beware how you see this princess too often. To the beauties of her person, Panthea Ae uilit ies which her sorrows and misfortunesren- a4ese THE TRAVELS . dered still more attractive. Araspes, without per ceiving it, encreased his assiduity towards her, and soon conceived so ungovernable. a passion for her, that he could no longer refrain from declaring it. Panthea rejected thé offer of his love, but did not inform Cyrus of it till it be- came absolutely necessary for her own honour. Cyrus immediately had it signified to his fa~ vourite that he expected he should only employ the methods of persuasion and entreatics. This intimation was a thunderstroke to Araspes: he blushed at the remembrance of his conduct ; and the fear of having displeased his master so over~ whelmed him with shame and grief, that Cyrus, moved at his situation, sent for him. Why, said he when he came, do you thus fear to approach me? I know too well that Love at once makes his sport of the wisdom of men and the power of the gods. I myself am only able, by avoid- ing him, to escape his tyranny. I cannot im- pute to you a crime of which I was the first oc- casion, by confiding the princess to your care. I exposed you to a danger superior to your strength. Oh my sovereign! exclaimed the young Median, while my enemies triumph over, - while my friends in consternation advise me to shun your displeasure, you offer me pardon and consolation! Oh Cyrus! you are ever the same! ever indulgent to weakness of which you do not partake. Let us profit, said Cyrus, by circumstances,QF ANACHARSIS. 233 I wish to be informed of the forces and projects_ of my enemies. Depart for their camp. Your pretended flight will have all the appearance of a real disgrace, and you will easily obtain their confidence. I fly to obey your commands: too happy to expiate my fault by so trivial a service. But can you, answered Cyrus, absent yourself from .the beautiful Panthea? I confess, replied Araspes, that my Heart is rent with the most cruel pangs; but strengthened by your assist- ance, I shall soon triumph over my weakness. He then received secret instructions, and de- parted for the army of the Assyrians. Xenophon having proceeded thus far in his narrative, remained silent, at which we appeared surptized. Is not the question then determined? said he. Yes, replied Philotas, but the story is not concluded, and that now engages our atten- tion more than the question. Xenophon smiled, and continued as follows : Panthea, having been informed of the depar- ture of Araspes, caused it to be signified to Cyrus, that she was able to procure him a more faithful, and perhaps a more useful friend than that young favourite. The friend she meant was her hus- band, whom she proposed to detach from the service of the king of Assyria, with whom he had reason to be dissatisfied, Cyrus having consented to this negotiation, Abradates arrived in the camp of the Persians, and Cyrus had him immediately conducted to234 THE TRAVELS the apartment of Panthea, who, with that confu- si6n of ideas and feelings that unexpected feli- city occasions, related to him the history of her captivity, her sufferings, the attempts of Araspes, and the generosity of Cyrus. Her husband, im- patient to express his gratitude, went instantly to the Persian prince, and grasping his hand, ex- claimed, Oh, Cyrus! for all that I owe you, I can only offer my friendship, my services, and my soldiers; but be assured, whatever may be your designs, Abradates will exert his utmost powers to support and render them successful. Cyrus received his offers with pleasure; and they immediately concerted together the dispositions of the approaching battle. The troops of the Assyrians, Lydians, and a great part of Asia, were within sight of the army of Cyrus. Abradates was appointed to attack the formidable phalanx of the Egyptians. This dangerous post had fallen to him by lot: he had himself solicited it, but the other generals had at first refused to resign it to him. When he was about to mount his chariot, Pan- thea came to present him with the arms which she had privately caused to be made for him, and on which were scen the jewels that sometimes adorned her person. ‘ You have then sacrificed to me even your ornaments,’ said the prince af- fectionately. ‘* Alas!” replied she, ‘‘ I wish no other ornament than that you should this day appear to all as you ever do to me:” sayingOF ANACHARSIS. 235 which she put on him his resplendent armour, dedewed with her involuntary tears, and which she in vain endeavoured to conceal. When she saw him ready to take the reins, she ordered her attendants to withdraw, and thus addressed him: “If ever wife loved her husband a thousand -** times more than herself, that wife is yours: of **this my conduct has been a better proof than ** words: yet notwithstanding the ardour of my ** passion, I would rather choose to expire with ** you in the bosom of honour, than to live with **a husband in whose shame I must participate. **Remembcr the obligations we owe to Cyrus; “‘remember that I was a captive, and that he «« gave me liberty; that I was exposed to insult, ‘and that he protected me; remember, in fine, «that I have deprived him, of his friend, and «that, relying on my word, he has believed he s* will find one more brave, more ae in my “ beloved Abradates.” The prince, transported to hear these senti- ments, lifted his eyes to heaven, and laying his hand on the head of his spouse, ‘‘ Gracious * gods,” cried he, “ grant that I may this day “‘ shew myself worthy tobe the friend of Cyrus, “and, above all, worthy to be the husband of «¢ Panthea.” He then mounted his chariot, to which the anxious princess had only time to ap- ply her trembling lips. In the agitation of her mind she followed him for some time along the plain, till Abradates perceiving her, conjured her236 THE TRAVELS to retire, and arm herself with fortitude. Her eunuchs and women then approached, and with- drew her from the eyes of the multitude, which constantly fixed on her, had been unable to pay the least attention to Abradates, or the magnifi- cence of his dress and armour. The battle was fought near the river Pacto- lus: the army of Croesus was entirely defeated ; the vast empire of the Lydians overturned in a moment, and that of the Persians raised on its Tuins. The day following the victory, Cyrus enquired anxiously after Abradates; and was informed, that deserted almost in the beginning of the ac- tion by a part of his troops, he had nevertheless attacked the Egyptian phalanx with the greatest bravery; that he had been killed, after seeing all his friends fall around him; and that Panthea had caused his body to be c&nveyed to the banks of the Pactolus, and was then employed in erect- ing atomb. Cyrus, overcome with grief, gave orders that the necessary preparations for the funeral of the hero should be conveyed to that place. He him- self preceded them: and when he arrived, beheld _ the wretched princess seated on the ground near the bloody corpse of her husband. His eyes overflowed with tears, and he attempted to grasp the hand that had fought for him. Panthea at length pronounced these words, which seemed to expire on her lips: ‘ Alas! Cyrus, you see the- OF ANACHARSIS. 237 ** calamity that persecutes me! why do you wish “to be a witness to it? For me, for you, he ** sacrificed his life! Wretch that I- was, I “« wished him to merit your esteem; and too ‘obedient to my counsel, he regarded less his “*¢ own life than your service! He died glori- ** ously 1 know; but he is dead, and I yet live.” Cyrus, after having wept in silence for some time, replied, ‘‘ Victory has crowned his life, “O44 THE TRAVELS Trom our most early infancy, an uninterrupted succession of labours and combats bestows on ur bodies agility, suppleness, and strength ; and a strict regimen prevents or dispels the ma- ladies to which we are liable. All artificial wants are here unknown ; and the laws have been care- ful to provide for all such as are real. Those objects of terror, hunger, thirst, pain, and death, are viewed by us with an indifference which phi- losophy sceks in vain to imitate. The most rigid sects have never been able to manifest that con- tempt yith which pain is treated even by chil- dren at Sparta. But these men to whom Lycur- gus wished to bestow the blessings of nature, could not be expected long to enjoy them: they would of course associate with each other; pas- sions would arise, and the edifice of their happi- ness be overthrown in an instant. Here it is we behold the triumph of genius... Lycurgus knew that a violent passion subjugates all others: he therefore gives us the love of our country in all its energy, its transports, nay, even its delirium. This love is so ardent, so imperious, that it con- centers all others, and there remains in the state but one will, and consequently one mind. Throughout the rest of Greece, the children of the free-man are confided to the care of the man who is not, or deserves not to be so: but slaves and mercenaries may not aspire to educate Spartans. Our country herself takes upon her this important charge. She leaves us during theOF ANACHARSIS. O45 first years of our infancy in the hands of our parents; but no sooner does reason dawn than she loudly asserts the rights she has over us. Until this moment her sacred name is never pro- nounced in our presence without the strongest demonstrations of love and respect; her eye now seeks and follows us every where ; from her hand we receive our nourishment and clothing, and by her instructions it is that the magistrates, the aged men, and all the citizens, are present at our sports, shew inquietude at our faults, en-- deavour to develop some germ of virtue in our words or actions, and in fine, teach us by their anxious solicitude, that the state possesses no- thing. so precious as ourselves ; and that, now the children of our-country, we are one day to become her consolation and her glory. Ilow is it possible that these cares, which’ de- - scend on us from such an clevation, should not make, on our youthful minds, profound and durable impressions? How is it possible not to adore.a constitution which, promoting our inte+ rest both by sovereign gooducss and supreme power, gives us at the same time the most ex alted idea of ourselves ! From this lively interest which our country takes towards us, and fiom the tender affection which we begin to conceive for her, naturally results, on her side authority and discipline, and on ours an implicit obedience. Hence so many lessons, examples, painful sacrifices, and minute BR 3946 THR TRAVELS observances, which concur to procure that empire’ over ourselves, and which is no less difficult to preserve than to obtain. One of the principal magistrates keeps us continually assembled under his eye: should he be obliged to absent himself for a moment, any citizen may supply his place and put himself at our head: so essential it is forcibly to impress our imagination with reve- rence for authority. Our duties increase with our years; and the nature of the instructions we receive is propor- tioned to the progress of our reason; while the rising passions are either repressed by a multipli- city of exercises, or ably directed toward objects useful to the state. The love of country must introduce a spirit of union among the citizens; and the desire of pleasing and benefiting that country, the spirit of emulation. And here this union is not dis- turbed by those storms which are elsewhere its destruction. Lycurgus has secured us from al- _ Most all the sources of jealousy, because. he has rendered almost every thing common and equal among the Spartans. We every day assemble at public repasts, at which decency aud frugality preside. By this regulation both want and excess, and the, vices which are their consequences, are banished from the houses of individuals. The institutes of Ly- curgus prepare us for a kind of indifference for those thing-, the acquisition of which casts us.OF ANACMARSIS. 247 more anxiety than the possession can procure us pleasure. Our money is only of copper, the size and weight of which would betray the avaricious man who should endcavour to conceal it from bis slave. We consider gold and silver as the pvisons most to be dreaded in a state. We are neither acquainted with arts, commerce, nor any of the other means employed to multiply the wants and unhappiness of a people. What use could we make of riches? Other legislators have endeavourcd to encrease their circulation, and philosophers to prevent their abuse: Lycur- gus has rendered them useless to us!’ We have cottages, clothing and bread; we have iron and hands for the service of our country and of our friends, and we have free and vigorous minds, incapable alike of supporting the tyranny of men or that of our passions. These are our trea- sures. We consider the excessive love of glory as a weakness, and the inordinate desire of fame as a crime: we have no historian, no orator, nor any of those monuments which only attest the vanity of a people. The nations we have conquered will transmit our victories to posterity; and we teach our children to be as brave and as virtuous as their fathers. The example of Leonidas, in- cessantly present to their memory, must for ever incite to emulation. You have ouly.to ask them, and they will repeat you by rote the names of three hundred Spartans, who perished with that R4248 THE TRAVELS hero at Thermopylae. We never can call by the name of Grandeur that independence of the laws which, in other countries, the principal ci- -tizens affect. The moment our law speaks, the most powerful of our citizens hasten to obey the voice of the magistrate with as much submis- sion as the meanest, We fear our laws and them only, because Lycurgus, having procured them to be approved by the oracle of Delphi, we have received them as the commands of the gods themselves; and because, as they are adapied only to our real wants, they are the true founda- tion of our happiness. Be not surprised then, if one of the most in- considerable states of Greece is become the most powerful: every thing is so ordered as to produce thateffect. There is not the smallest degree of power which is not directed toward the gencral good, nor a single act of virtue which is lost to our country. The system of Lycurgus could but produce just and pacific men, it is nevertheless a melan- choly reflection, that unless they could have been transported to some distant and inaccessible island, they must at length have been enslaved by the vices or the arms of neighbouring na~ tions. The legislator endeavoured to prevent this double danger. He did not permit foreigners to enter Laconia except on certain days, nor the inhabitants to go out of jt but for very importaut yeasons. The situation of the country was fa-np . a er ee = > eae OF ANACHARSIS. 949 vourable to the enforcing of this law: surround- ed by. seas and mountains, we have only some defiles to guard, to stop corruption on our fron- tiers. The prohibition of commerce and navi- gation was the consequence of this regulation. To conquer-us was still more difficult than to corrupt us. T'rom the rising of the sun to his’ going down, from our earliest years to the close of life, we are continually under arms; even ob- serving a more exact discipline than if we were within sight of an invading army. On whatever side you turn your eyes, you will imagine your- self in a camp rather than in a city: you will see nothing but marches, evolutions, attacks, and battles: you will hear only the shouts of victory, or the recital of great actiohs. While young, we every morning take the ex- ercise of the chace; and afterwards, as often as ‘the duties we have to fulfil leave us’ intervals of leisure. ITycurgus has recommended to us this exercise, as the image of danger and victory. While our youth are engaged with ardour in this sport, it is permitted them to range the country and carry off whatever they may find which suits their convenience. They are permitted the same in the city, and are esteemed to have committed no crime, but to be deserving of praise if they are not detected; but are blamed and punishable if discovered. This law, which appears to be bor- rowed from the Egyptians, has brought much gensure on Lycurgus. It seems as if a natural950 THE TRAVELS consequence must be to inspire our youth with an inclination to disorder and robbery; but in reality it only produces in them more address and activity; in the other citizens more vigi- lance; and in all a greater aptitude to foresce the designs of an enemy, to prepare snares for him, or to avoid those which may be prepared. : " Before we conclude, let us revert to the prin- ciples from which we set out. A healthy and vigorous body, and a mind free from anxicty and wants, constitute the natural happiness of man in solitude ; and the union and emulation of citizens, that which ought to ‘be his object in society. If then the laws of Lycurgus have ful- filled both the views of nature and society, we enjoy the best of constitutions. But we will ex- amine it in detail, and judge whether it ought to inspire us with pride. I cannot, said I, but fear that Lycurgus, by thus weakening your passions, and depriving you of all those objects of interest and ambition which set in motion other nations, should have left in your minds a great vacuity. What in fact can remain? The enthusiasm of valour, replied Damonax; the love of our country carried even to fanaticism; the sense of our liberty; the de- licious pride which our virtues inspire, and the esteem of a people of citizens, sovercignly esti- mable. To judge of the merit of your laws, we ought +° know likewise’ whether, with all your priva-TW mr ee - OF ANACHARSIS. 251 tions and your virtues, you are equally happy with the other nations of Greeks? We be- lieve ourselves much more so, replied he; and that persuasiun is sufficient to render us so in reality. . —-, Lycurgus. Wren the constitution formed by Lycur- gus was at length approved by the different or- cers of the state, all the parts were so, well com- bined, that on the first trials it was judged no- thing was wanting; yet, notwithstanding its ex- cellence, it was not yet assured of duration. Ly- curgus therefgre, when the people were assembled, thus addressed them: ‘It stilf remains for me -€* to lay before you the most important article “© of my legislation, but I wish first to consult ** the oracle of Delphi. Promise me that, until © my return, you will make no alteration in the ¢* Jaws already established.” They promised it. Swear, said he. The king's senators, and all the citizens, called the gods to be witness to their words. So solemn an engage- nent could not be revoked; and it was the re- solution of Lycurgus never more to return to his country. He immediately repaired to Delphi, end enquired, whether the new laws were sutti- cient to ensure the happiness of the Spartans. The Pythia having answcred that Sparta would be the most flourishing of cities so long asshe should continue to observe them, Lycurgus sent252 THE TRAVELS the oracle to Lacedemon, and condemned him- self to voluntary banishment. He died far from the country whose happiness he had created and established. It has been said that Lacedemon has not ren- dered sufficient honours to his memory; no doubt, because it is impossible she should ever render too many. She has dedicated to him a temple, in which a sacrifice is offered every year. His relations and friends instituted a society ‘which has been perpetuated to our days, and which meets from time to time to renew the me- mory of his virtues. Upon one of these days, when the assembly was held in the temple, Eu- clidas addressed the following discourse to the tutelary genius of the place:— “We celebrate thee, without knowing by what name to call thee. The Pythia doubted if thou wert not rather a god than a mortal: in ‘this uncertainty she named thee the friend of the Gods, because thou wert the friend of man. “Thy great soul would feel a just indignation should we attribute to thee as a merit, that thou didst not procure to thyself the crown by a crime, or that thou hadst exposed thy life and rénounc- ed repose to do good. ‘Those’ sacrifices that cost an effort arc alone to be praised. “The greater part of legislators have gonc astray, by following the beaten track. Thou knewest that to procure happiness to a nation, it was necessary to conduct it through a new oa — _ aati ae aanOF ANACHARSIS. 253 amd unbeaten path. We praise thee for having better kuown the human heart in the time of ignorance than others can boast, even in more enlightened ages. ‘« We thank thee for having ordained a check to the authority of the kings, to the insolence of the people, to the pretensions of the rich, to our own passions, and even to our virtues. “‘We thank thee for having placed over us that sovereign power which sees every thing, which can affect every thing, and which nothing can corrupt. Thou hast placed the laws upon the throne, and our magistrates at their feet, whilst in other states a mortal is on the throne and the laws at his feet. *« We thank thee that thou hast left us only a small number of rational ideas, and that thou hast prevented us from having more desires than wants. «We thank thee for having presumed so well of us as to beliéve that we should need to ask no other courage of the gods but that which may enable us to endure injustice when it is necessary. “When thou sawest thy laws, resplendent in prandcur and beauty, act as it were of themselves, without clashing or disjoining, it has been said, that thou wast transported with a pure, incftable joy; as the Creator of the universe, w hen he beheld that universe, immediately after its crea- tion, execute all its movements in perfect har- moony and regularity.' 254 THE TRAVELS “Thy course on earth was only marked by be- nefits: happy shall we be if, recalling them in- cessantly to our memory, we may be able to trans- mit to our descendants the deposit committed to our care, such as it was received by our fathers.” ——- Customs and Manners of the Spartans. Tue Spartans by banishing every kind of or- nament from their dress, have given an example admired, but not imitated, by other nations. Among them, kings, magistrates, and the mean- est of the citizens are not distinguishable by their external appearance: they all wear a short and coarse woollen tunic, over which they throw a mantle, or a large cloak. On their fect they wear sandals, or shocs, commonly of a red co- lour, and caps or nets on their heads. The poet Antiphanes said, in my time, ‘‘ The Lacedamo- nians are no longer invincible; the nets with. which they bind their hair are dyed purple.” They appear in public with large sticks, hooked at the top; but are forbidden to carry them in the gencral assembly, as the affairs of state ought to be determined by strength of ar- gument, not by force of arms. The houses of Lacedemon are small, and built in the commonest manner; their doors are ouly to be smoothed by the saw, and their floors by the ax. Trunks of trees, scarcely divested of their bark, serve as beams. ‘The furniture,OF ANACHARSIS. 255 though better made, partakes of the same sim- plicity. But it is never confusedly heaped toge- ther; the Spartans having always at hand what- “ever they want, for they make it a duty to keep every thing in its place; and even these little attentions maintain among them the love of order and discipline. Their diet is coarse and sparing. Those of other nations, who have seen them recumbent: round their table, and stretched on ¢ethe field of _ battle, think their death preferable to such a life. Yet has Lycurgus retrenched only superfluity from their repasts; and if they are frugal, it is rather from virtue than necessity. There is no scarcity of domestic animals; and mount Tayge- tus furnishes them abundantly with venison and game. and the sea and the Eurotus with fish. Their cheese of Gythium is in great estimation; and they have besides different kinds of pulse, fruits, bread, and cakes. Tt is true their cooks dress only plain, and never prepare artificial dishes, except their black broth,* in which the Spartans dip their bread. ‘This dish they prefer to the most exquisite dainty. Laconia produces several sorts of wine. Attheir meals the cup does not pass from hand to hand as among other nations, but each person empties his own, whichis immediately tilled again by theslave * It is conjectured that this black broth was made of pork-gravy, to which was added vinegar and salt; the only scasoning they ever made use of.256 THE TRAVELS who waits at table. They may drink as often as they have occasion: a permission which they never abuse, their minds being too noble to sub- mit voluntarily to degrade themselves. A Spartan being asked why he was so mode- rate in the use of wine? replied, ‘‘ That I may «* never stand in need of the reason of another.” Besides wine, they frequently assuage their thirst with whey. They recline at their meals on hard couches of eak, leaning with their elbows on a stone or block of wood. Their black broth is served up to them, and afterwards boiled pork, which is distributed to cach guest ia equal por- tions; sometimes so small, that they scarcely weigh a quarter of a mina each*. They have wine, cakes, and barley-bread in plenty. At other times fish and game are added. ‘Those who offer sacrifices, or go to hunt, may, on their return, eat at home, but thcy must send to their companions at the same table a part of the game or victim. i During the repast, the conversation frequently turns on morals or examples of virtue ; and great actions, related as subjects worthy to engage the attention of Spartans. The old men commonly discourse: they speak with precision, and are listened to with respect. Decorum is accompa- nied with gaiety; Lycurgus evcn enjoined it, and with this view ordered a statute of the god of Laughter to be placed in the hall: but the * About three,ounces and a half.DF ANACHARSIS. 257 pleasantries that excite mirth must contain no- thing offensive. The different classes of youth are present at these repasts, without partaking of them: the youngest, to carty off adroitly from the table some portion, which they share with their com- panions ; and the others, to receive lessons of wisdom and pleasantness. : In small states public repasts are productive of many good effects: during peace, they maintain unanimity, temperance, and equality; and: in war, hold forth new motives to the citizens to fly to the succour of another, with whom he is accustomed to join in sacrifices and libations. Among the Spartans many are unable either to read or write, and others scarcely know how to reckon. Of geometry, astronomy, or the other sciences, they have no idea. The best informed among them are admirers of the poems of Ho- mer, Terpander, and Tyrteus, because they ele- vate the soul. The introduction of the drama among them is forbidden by express law. Some Spartans (but their number is very small) have cultivated lyric poetry with success. They are admirers of that species of music which produces the enthusiasm of virtue: without cultivating the art, they are capable of judging of its in- fluence on mankers, and reject those innovations which take from it.its simplicity and purity. We may judge of their aversion to rhetoric by the following anecdote :—A young Spartan, while : s258 THE TRAVELS at a distance from his country, had applied him- self to the art of oratory. When he returned, the ephori inflicted a punishment on him for having conceived a design to impose on his coun- trymen.—During the Peloponnesian war, ano- ther Spartan was sent to the Saltrap Tessapher- nes, to engage him to prefer the alliance of the Lacedemonians to that of Athens. He express- ed himself in a few words; and when he heard the Athenian ambassadors display their ostenta- tious eloquence, drew two lines, the one straight, and the other crooked, but both terminating in the same point; and shewing them to the Sa- trap, said to him, Chuse.—Two centuries before, the inhabitants of an island in the Aegean Sea, suffering by famine, had recourse for succour to the Lacedamonians, their allies; who returned for answer to their ambassadors, we have not understood the latter part of your harangue, and we have forgotten the beginning. A second am- bassador was therefore sent, who was cautioned to be extremely concise. He came to Sparta, and began by shewing one of the sacks used to carry flgur in: the sack was empty, and the assembly. immediately resolved to supply the island with provision. ‘They despise the art, but esteem the genius of oratory, which some of them have received from nature, and have: displayed it in their oWn assemblies and those of other states; as also in their funeral ordtions, pronounced every yearOF ANACHARSIS. 259 in honour of Pausanias and Leonidas. Brasidas, the general who supported the honour of his coun- try in Macedon, was considered as eloquent, even by the Athenians, who set so high a value on oratory. The eloquence of the Lacedemonians, however, is always concise and simple, and pro- ceeds directly to the point at which it aims. They do not blush tobe found ignorant of those sciences which they consider as useless or super- fluous: and one of them replied to an Athenian, who reproached them with this ignorance, ‘We ‘are, it is true, the only people to whom you * have not been able to teach your vices.” As they apply only to those kinds of know- . ledge which are absolutely necessary, their ideas are the more just and better arranged. Thus, though the Lacedemonians have less learning than other nations, they are more intelligent. It is said that Thalis, Pittacus, andthe other sages of Greece, borrowed from them the art of compris- ing moral maxims in short sentences. Accus, tomed ay! they are from their earliest years, ‘to express themselves with equal energy and preci- ‘ sion, they are silent when they have nothing in- teresting to say, and apologize when they have said too much. A certain instinct of greatness’ teaches them that the diffuse style is only suita- ble tg the suppliant slave, whilst. the concise style, onthe contrary, is lofty and majestic, and suitable to the master who commands. The same precision may be remarked in the let- 32260 THE TRAVELS ters written by the magistrates, and in those which they receive trom the generals. The most disastrous defeat, or the most splendid victory, were notified with the same concise simplicity. When, in the time of the Peloponnesian war, the Lacedemonian flcet, under the command of Mindarus, had been defeated by that of Athens uuder Alcibiades, an officer wrote to the ephori, ‘© The battle is lost; Mindarus is killed; no pro- visions nor resources.” A short time after, the same magistrate received trom Lysander, the ge- neral of the army, a letter containing three words: ‘ Athens is taken.” Such was the rela- tion of the most important and glorious conquest Lacedzemon ever made. : The lucrative arts, and especially those of lux- ury, are severely forbidden at Sparta. They are prohibited from altering the nature of oil by per- fumes, or dying wool of any colour but purple. Such are their ideas of liberty, that they can- not reconcile it with any manual labour. One of them on his return from Athens, said to me, “I come from a city where nothing is dis- “honourable.” All their laws being directed to divert the minds of their citizens from factious interest and domestic cares, those who have lands farm them out to the Helots. They are nevertheless strangers to disgust or weariness, because they are never alone or unoccupied. Swimming, wrestling, running, tennis, with mi- litary evolutions, employ them a. part of theOF ANACHARSIS. 261 day; and they afterwards make it a duty and amusement to be present at the sports and com- bats of the youth. From thence they go to the leaches, or halls, in different quarters of the’ city, in which the men of every age are accus-* tomed to mect. They have great taste for the’ pleasures of conversation, which with them scarcely ever turns on the projects or interests of states; but listening to the lessons of the aged, they Icarn the origin of men, heroes, and cities; and the gravest of these discourses are tempered by frequent sallics of pleasantry. : Their tombs, like their houses, are void of any ornament, and mark no distinction among the citizens. Tears and sighs are neither heard’ at funerals, nor accompany the last moments of the dying; for the Spartans arc no mote astonish- ed at the approach of death, than they are at the continuance of life. Knowing that death must tix the Loimdary of their days, they submit to the commands of nature, with the same resigna- tion as to the necessities of the state. The Lacedemonian women are mostly tall, strong, healthy, and generally handsome; but they are severe and majestic beauties. They might have furnished Phidias with a great num- ber of models for his Minerva; but Iraxiteles would with difficulty have found one among them for his Venus, : Their dress consists ina tunic, or kind of short shift, and a robe which decends to the heels. 83262 THE TRAVELS The girls, who are under the necessity of em- ploying almost the whole of their time in wrest- ling, running, leaping, and other laborious exer- cises, usually wear a light garment without sleeves, which is fastened. over the shoulders with clasps, and with a girdle, confines and pre- vents it from falling below the knee: the lower part is open on both sides, so that half the body is naked. A Spartan woman appears in public with her face uncovered until she is married; but after her marriage, as she is only ‘supposed to entertain the wish of pleasing her husband, she never goes abroad but with a veil; and as she ought to be known to him alone, it is not es- teemed proper that others should speak of her, * even in her praise ; but this concealment, and the respectful silence observed, are only homages paid to decorum; for no where are women under less restraint, nor have they any where less abused their liberty. The idea of infidelity to their hus- bands would formerly have appeared to them as strange as that of displaying a studied ornament in dress. Though at present they have no longer that degree of prudence and reserve, they once possessed, they are still more observant of their duties than the other women of Greece, They have also a more vigorous character of mind, by which they obtain an ascendency over their hus- bands, who consult them both concerning their private affairs and those of the state. A woman from another-part of Greece said to the wife ofOF ANACHARSIS. 263 Tesnidas, ‘ You are the only women who have gained an ascendency oyer the men.” . ‘No doubt,’ replied she, ‘for we are the only women who bring forth men.’ Argelconis, the mother of the celebrated Bra- sidas, when informed of the glorious death of her son, by some Thracians, who added, that Lace- dxmon had never possessed so great a general, replied, ‘ Strangers, my son’was indeed a brave “man; but learn that Lacedamon possesses “many still braver than he.” Here we see nature subjected but not annihi- lated; and in this consists true courage. The ephori accordingly decreed exemplary honours * to this illustrious woman. Bnt who can hear, without shuddering, the reply of a mother, who when it is said to her, ‘‘ Your son is killed with- out quitting his rank,” immediately answered, © Let him be buried, and let his brother take his place.’ Or that of another, who, waiting in the suburbs to learn the news of the battle, was told by the courier that her five sons were killed. “I do not come,” said she, ‘to enquire concerning them, but whether my country has any thing to fear.*” ‘ These extravagances, or rather enormities of honour, ‘so far surpass the standard of that great- ness to which human nature should aspire, that © These latter facts appear to be postcrior to the times when the laws of Lycurgus were rigorously observed : it wes not till after their decline, that the women and children of Sparta were actuated by a falle heroifm. : s4264 THE TRAVELS we never find any of the other sex at Sparta pro« ceed to the same excesses: with them, the love of their country is'a virtue that performs sublime actions, but with their wives it is a passion that attempts extraordinary and unnatural things. Beauty, ornament, birth, or even the endowments of the mind, not being in sufficient estimation at Sparta to establish distinctions among women, ‘they are obliged to found their claims to super riority on the number and valoyr of thcir chil- dren; and this causes their devotion to their coun- try to be sometimes accompanied with a great share of vanity, and an ambition that falls little short’ of phrenzy. . The Spartans themselves are no longer what they were a century ago; yet, notwithstanding ‘their degradation they still preserve remains of their ancient greatness. The most powerful have the moglesty to conceal the licentiousness of their conduct: they are fugitives who still revere the Jaws they have violated, and regret the virtues they have lost. <= Religion and Festivats of the Spartans. Tie objects of public worship at Lacedeamon only inspire a silent reverence: neither discus- sions nor doubts concerning them arc permitted, To adore the gods and honour the heroes, com- pose the whole of the religious doctrines of the Spartans,OF ANACHARSIS. 265 Lycurgus, who could not assume a power over religous opinions, suppressed the abuses that had been introduced. In other countries, the victims presented at the altar are without blemish, ard sacrificed ‘with ceremonious magnificence. At Sparta the oblations are but of little value, and offered with that modesty which becomes sup- pliants. Other nations importune the gods with long prayers; the Spartans only request that they may atchieve great actions after having performed Goud ones; and conclude with these words,— “Grant us the fortitude to support injustice.” The eye is not here offended with dead bodies, as in the neighbouring states, Mourning lasts - but eleven days: if grief is real, it ought not to be limited to time; and if fictitious, it ought not to be prolonged. They celebrate several festivals, During that of Apollo, surnamed Carneus, and which continues nine days, I was present at the competitions of the players on the cithara, I saw erected round the city nine booths, or arbours, in the form of tents, in which every day new guests, to the number of eighty-one, nine for each tent, take their repasts. Certain officers, appointed by lot, attended to maintain order; and the whole is conducted by the repeated proclamation of a herald. This is the image of a camp, yet it has nothing relating to war; for it is not permitted to interrupt this festival; and however imminent the danger may be, the army must wait till it is266 THE TRAVELS. concluded before it takes the field. The same religious respect detains the’ Lacedemonians at home during the festival of Hyacinth, celebrat- ed every spring. Tradition relates that Hyacinth, the son of a king of Lacedamon, was passionately beloved by Apollo; that Zephyr, jealous of his beauty, directed on ,him the quoit that deprived him of life, and that Apollo, who had thrown it, could find no other consolation for his death than changing the young prince into a flower that still bears his name. Annual games were instituted; the first and third days of which only exhibit sadness and mourning: the second is‘a day of rejoicing, and all Lacedemon aban- dons itself to the intoxication of joy: it is a day of liberty, and the slaves eat at the table of their tmaasters. : On every side are seen chorusses of boys, clad only in a tunic; some playing on the lyre, or celebrating Hyacinth in ancient songs, accom- panied by the flute; others executing dances, and others on horseback displaying their dexte- rity in the place set apart for such exhibitions, A solemn procession goes to offer in the tem- ple of Apollo the vows of the state, and a so- lemn sacrifice is made, pouring forth wine and milk asa libation. The altar is the tomb of Hyacinth: around it are placed twenty boys and as many young maidens, who sing in the most charming concert in presence of several of the magistrates, their kings, &c.OF ANACHARSIS. 267 The discipline of the Spartans is such, that their pleasures are always accompanied with a certain decorum. During the festivals even of Bacchus, no person ventures to transgress the law, which prohibits the immoderate use of wine. — The Military Service of the Spartans. Tue Spartans are obliged to serve in the ar- mies from the age of twenty to that, of sixty; but after that age they are not obliged to bear arms, unless the enemy enters Laconia. As the citizens ‘are divided into five tribes, the heayy armed infantry is also distributed into five regiments. Each regiment is composed of four battalions, eight pentecostys, and sixteen eno- motias or companies. ‘The number of men is not always the same in each cnomotia; as the gene- ral, to conceal the knowledge of his strength: from the enemy, frequently varies the composi- tion of his army. Besides these five regiments, there is a body of six hundred chosen men call- ed Sciritz, who have sometimes turned the scale of victory. The principal arms of the foot soldiers are the pike and buckler. I do not reckon the sword, which is only a kind of poniard that he carries on his belt, On the pike he places his chief de- pendence. A foreigner once said to the ambiti- ous Agesilaus, Where do you place the boundaries of Laconia? At the end of our pikes, he replied,268 THE TRAVELS The body of the soldier is defended by a buck- ler of brass, of an oval form, cut with a hollow on one side, and sometimes on both, terminat- ing in a point with the initial letters of the word Lacedemon. By this mark the nation is known; but another is necessary for each soldier to as- certain his own buckler, since he is obliged to bring it back with him under pain of infamy. He therefore chooses some symbol to be en- graven on it. A certain Lacedemonian was rallied by his friends for havihg chosen for his emblem a fly of the natural size. I mean, said he, to approach so near the enemy that they shall distinctly see my mark. The soldier wears d kind of coat of a scarlet colour; which-colour is made choice of to pre- vent the enemy from perceiving the blood that he has caused to flow. The king marches at the head of the army, preceded by a body of sciritir, as well as. by horsemen, scent forward to reconnoitre. He fre- quently offers sacrifices, at which are present the officers of the Lacedmonian troops and those of the allies. The soldiers, when in the field, every day per- form the exercises of the Gymnasium. A place is marked out for this purpose in the environs of the camp. After the morning exercises, they remain seated on the ground till dinner, and after those of the evening, sing Itymns in ho- nour of the gods, and lie all night on their arms.OF ANACHARSIS. 269 The intervals ‘of the day are passed in different amusements; for they are subject to fewer la- bours than they were before they took the field; and it may be said that war is to the Spartans a time of Ieisure and rest. On the day of battle the king, in imitation of Hercules, sacrifices a shc-goat, while the flute- players play the air of Castor. Ile then sings the hymn of battle, which all the soldiers, their brows girt with crowns, repeat in concert. After this grand and solemn ceremony, they adjust their hair and clothes, clean their arms, and ea- gerly press their officers to lead them to combat, animating each other by sallies of pleasantry. Thus they march forward in order of battle to the sound of flutes, which at the same time excite and moderate their ardour, The king takes his station in tle first rank, attended by a hundred young warriors, who, under pain of infamy, must risk their lives to preserve his; and some athlete who have gained the prize in the public games of Greece, and who consider this post as the most glorious of distinctions. It is a disgrace to every man to fly before his enemy, but to the Spartans it is such even to have entertained a thought of it. Yet the cou- tage of the Spartans, though-ardent and impetu- ous, is not a blind fury. There is not one among them who, should he hear the signal of retreat, in the heat of the battle, and while his sword is uplifted against his fallen enemy, would270 THE TRAVELS not immediately stop his hand, and own that his first duty is to obey his general. The Spartans prefer keeping their ranks and: preserving good order, to killing a small number more of the enemy. ' They are not only forbid- den to pursue a flying foe, but also to strip the dead till they have received orders; for it is their duty to be more attentive to secure the vic- tory than the plunder. If the general has had a number of his soldiers taken prisoners in a bat- tle, he must risk a second action to recover them from the enemy. Ifa soldier has quitted his rank, he is obliged to remain a certain time standing and leaning on his buckler in sight of the whole army. Those who are slain in battle are buried like the other citizens, with a red garment ‘and an olive branch, which are the symbols among the Spartans of warlike virtues. “ If they have distin- guished themselves by ‘their valour, their names - are inscribed on their tombs. But if a soldier has‘ received his mortal wound, after having turned his back on his enemy, he is deprived of burial. Cowardice, of which examples were extremely rare, subjects a Spartan to all the horrors of public infamy. . - The success which has been obtained by pru- dence is preferred to that which is gained by bra- very alone. A victory gained by the Spartans heretofore occasioned neither joy ‘nor surprise; but ia our time, an advantage obtained by Ar-OF ANACHARSIS. = 271 chidamus, produced such lively transports of joy at Sparta, that no doubt can any longer remain of its decline. The cavalry is only made choice of by men who are inexperienced, or deficient in vigour or martial ardour. The reason for which the Spar- tans prefer the infantry, is in the persuasion that true courage is sufficient in itself, and therefore chuse to fight hand to hand. ‘{ was in company with king Archidamus when the model of a ma- chine for throwing darts, lately invented in Sici- ly, was presented to him: a fter having for some time exainined it with attention, ‘ Valour,” said he, ‘* is now rendered useless.” Upon the Laws of Lycurgus—Causes of their Decline. Ox E evening the conversation insensibly lead- ing us to mention Lycurgus, I affected less es- teem for that great man thin I really felt. It seems, said I, that many of your laws have been borrowed from the Persians and the Egyptians. Damonax replied, The architect who constructed the labyrinth of Egypt, deserves not less praise for having decorated its entrance with that beau- tiful Parian marble which he procured from such a distance. To judge of the genius of Ly- curgus, we must consider the whole of his legis- lation, And this whole it is, I replied, the ho- pour of which some attempt to deprive you: the£72 THE TRAVELS Athenians and the Cretans maintain that their constitutions, though differing from each other, have yet served as models for yours. The testimony of the former, said Damonax, is always weakened by a pucrilc partiality: they allow us no praise but to appropriate it to them- selves. The opinion of the Cretans is better founded. Lycurgus adopted many of the laws of Minos, and rejected others: those which he chose, he modified and accommodated to his plan. If we compare the two governments, we shall see sometimes the ideas of a great man brought to perfection by one still greater. A striking ex- ample of the opposition of their views is, that the laws of Minos admitted of inequality of fortunes, which ours have forbidden; and hence cannot. but result an essential diversity in the constitu- tion and manners of the two people. A government, which is truly deserving that name, exists only at Laccdemon and in Crete; elsewhere we only find societies of citizens, some few of whom are masters, the rest slaves. At Lacedemon there is no other distinction between the king and the private individual, the rich and the poor, than that which a legislator inspired by the gods has fixed. Lycurgus was under the im- mediate guidance of a divinity, when he restrain- ed by asenate the too great authority of the kings. This government, of which the constituent pow- ers are so well counterbalanced, and the wisdom of which is so generally acknowledged, has sub- °OF ANACHARSIS. 273 sisted during four centuries without experiencing © any essential change, or exciting the least dis- sention among the citizens. Never in those hap- py times did the republic do any thing at which she had ‘cause to blush; ‘never was seen in any state, so perfect a submission to the laws, so much disinterestednegs, frugality, mildness, mag- nanimity, valour, and modesty. Then it was that, notwithstanding the instancés made by our allies, we refused to destroy Athens. The law alone reigns at Lacedemon, as Plato said not long since when writing to Dionysius; and the same government has maintained itself there, in all its splendor, for four hundred years, Our manners too maintained their purity during four centuries, and began only to grow corrupted during the Peloponnesian war. Censure then our present vices, but respect our ancient virtues. Plato, though convinced of the excellence of our government, has thought he could discover some defects in it; and I am informed that Aris- totle intends to produce a still greater number, But if these defects do not essentially injure the constitution, I should say ‘to Plato, You have taught us that the Supreme Being, when he furm- ed the universe, acted on a pre-existent matter, which sometimes opposed his power with an in- vincible resistance, and that he only effected that good of which the eternal nature of things was susceptible. Thus likewise 1 will presume to say, that Lycurgus laboured on refractory materials, Tr .274 THE TRAVELS which participated of the imperfection that resides in the essence of all things: I mean of man, of whom he has made all that it was possible to make of him. ‘ The philosophers of Athens advance, that your legislation not extending to the women, who have gained an absolute dominion over their husbands, they accelerate from day to day the progress of corruption. Inform these philosophers, answer- ed Damonax, that our daughters are educated in the same discipline and with the same rigour as our sons; that they are accustomed to the same exercises ; that they bring their husbands no other portion than their virtues; that when they be- come mothcrs they have the superintendance of the long education of their children, at first in conjunction with their husbands, and afterwards with the magistrates: that public censors conti- nually watch over their conduct; that the care of the slaves and the household-affairs are entirely submitted to them; that Lycurgus was careful to forbid,them every kind of ornament, that it is not fifty years since the Spartan women were per- suaded that a rich dress would take from their na- tural beauty; and that before that period, the pu- rity of their manners was acknowledged by all. Lastly, ask them, Whether, in a state where the men are virtudus, it is possible that the women should not be so likewise? Your daughters, replied I, are habituated from their infancy to laborious exercises, and this PlatoOF ANACHARSIS. 275 approves; but they no longer use their exercises after their marriage, and this he condemns. In a government like yours, it is necessary that the ‘women, after the example of the Sarmatians, should be always able to attack or repel the ene- my. We bring up our girls, continued he, in this way, that they may acquire a robust consti- tution; but we require in our women only the peaceful virtues of their sex. Why should we put arms in their hands, since we are able ourselves to defend them? Since the object of your laws is only war— War the object of our laws! exclaimed the Spar- tan: I recognize the language of the Athenian writers, who ascribe to the wisest and- most hu- mane of legislators, the project of all others the most cruel and absurd:—absurd, since to effect it he has only established means absolutely con- trary. Examine our military code; its regula- tions, taken in’ their true sense, only tend to in- spire us with generous sentiments, and repress ambitious ones. We have, it is true, been so unfortunate as to disregard them, but they do not the less inform us of the real intentions of Ly- curgus. By what means, in fast, can a nation enlarge its dominions, whose valour is enchained at every , Step; which, deprived by its laws of mariners and ships, is incapable of extending its frontiers to- ward the sea; and which, forbidden by the same laws to besiege the strorig places that defend the Ts?276 THE TRAVELS: frontiers of its neighbours, is equally unable to’ enlarge them on that of the land: which is forbid- den to pursue a flying enemy, or to enrich itself with his spoils: which, prohibited from making frequent war against the same people, is obliged to prefer the methods of negociation to force of arms; which, not being permitted to march be- fore the full moon, nor to fight on certain, festi- vals, is sometimes in danger of seeig all its pro-, jects prove. abortive; and which, in a word, is by its extreme poverty, at all times incapable of undertaking any great enterprize? Lycurgus did not intend to form usa nation of conquerors, but of tranquil warriors, who breathe only peace, if ’ they are left unmolested ; but who respire nothing but war .if any foreign power dares to disturb that repose. A nation cannot surely be ambitious, which by character and principle is extremely slow in form- ing and executing projects; which can hazard nothing, and which must, before they take up arms, be compelled to do so. Such were in gencral our dispositions; and hap- py had we been, if the divisions which began to arise in Sparta, and the consideration we owed our allies, had permitted us always to follow them. The Persian war threw us into the midst of that world, from which Lycurgus had wished to pre- serve us distinct. For more than half a century, in contempt of our ancient maxims, we led our armies into distant countries, and there: formed-OF ANACHARSIS. 277 connections with their inhabitants. Our man- ners insensibly mingled with those of foreign na- tions, and were corrupted. After this war, which crowned us with glory, but at the same time com- municated to us the germ of destructive vices, we saiv, with alarm, the violent passions of two men of powerful genius, whom our unhappy destiny raised up in the midst of us:—Lysander and Age- silaus, who undertook to exalt Sparta to the sum- tnit of powcr; the one to reign over her, the other to reign with her. The politics of Lysander were only acquainted with two principles, force and perfidy. Hence. his oppressions and injustice when he had nothing to fear, and his craft and dissimulation when he dared not have recourse to open violence. His favourite maxim was, that ‘“ Cliildren must be “* deceived with toys, and men with oaths.” His hatred was implacable, and his vengeance ter- rible. He omitted nothing to enrich his crea- tures, or to crush his enemies, for by that name : he called all those who defended the true interest ofthe pedple. Sparta silently acquiesced in these acts of atrocity. He had procured a great num- ber of partizans among us by the severity of his manners, his obedicnce to the magistrates, and the splendor of his victories; and by his liberality and the terror of his name, he had acquired a still greater number among foreign nations, by awhom he was considercd as the arbiter of Greece. We decreed honours to his memory wi + ae v3| { | 278 THE TRAVELS | ought to have stigmatized it with infamy, as he contributed more than any other man to deprive | “us of our moderation and our poverty. His system of aggrandizement was followed more methodically by Agesilaus. He was more dangerous than Lysander, because, with the same talents, he possessed more virtues; and with the “same ambition, was exempt from presumption and vanity. Both enriched their creatures while they lived themselves in extreme poverty, and both were alike inaccessible to pleasure. Both likewise, to obtain the command of the armies, shamefully flattered the ephori, and finally con- cluded by transmitting to them all real power. | Lysander, after the taking of Athens, wrote ta | them thus: ‘I have told the Athenians that it | ‘*is for you to decide on peace or war:” and ' Agesilaus rose up from his throne whenever the ephori appeared. | Both, assured of the protection of those ma- gistrates, inspired the Spartans with a kind of phrenzy ; and by a series of acts of injustice and violence, raised up against us that Epaminondas who, after the battle of Leuctra and the re-estab- lishment of the Messanians, reduced us to the fallen state in which we at present are. We have seen our power decline with our virtues; and the time is past, when the nations who wished to re- cover their liberty demanded of Lacedzmon only -one of her warriors to break their chains. Yet, as a last homage to our expiring laws, letTe SS —- ——— — an OF: ANACHARSIS. ‘279 us remark, that, in other countries, corruption would have begun by enervating the mind; with us it has only manifested itself in great and vio- lent passions; in ambition, vengeance, jealousy of power, and a rage for celebrity. It seems as if the vices dared not approach us but with a kind of circumspection. ‘The-thirst of gold is not yet universal among all ranks; and the love of plea- sure has yet only infected a small number of in- dividuals. More than once we have seen our Magistrates and generals maintain our ancient discipline with vigour; and private citizens dis- play virtues worthy of the most uncorrupt ages. TheSpartans are at present situated on the fron- tiers of virtue and of vice; but we shall not long maintain this post. Every instant we perceive that an irresistible power drags us toward the abyss. I myself am terrified when I reflect on the example I have this day given. What would Lycurgus have said, had he seen one of his pu- pils discourse, dispute, and employ even the fi- gures of oratory! But I have lived too long with the Athenians; I am now only a degenerate Spartan, adorn these paradises with superb trees, which they commonly dispose in the form cailed Quincunx. ‘The satraps, or grandees, have also places similar to these, We observed with pleasure the great encous regement which the sovereign gives to agricul- ture, and that, not by transient fayours and re. wads, Lut an enlightened vigilance, more pawscitizen observe OF ANACHARSIS. 299 erful than edicts and laws. He appoints over every district two superintendants, one for military, , and the other fur civil aff ‘The office of the former is to preserve the public tranquillity, and that of the latter to promote the pregress of in- dustry and agriculture. In Fgypt we had often heard speak with the greatest culogium of that Arsames whon: the king ‘of Persia had for many years past called to his aul councils. Tn the port of Phoenicia we were shewn citadels newly bait, a wumber of ships of war on the stocks, timber end rigging which had been brought from various places. For these advantages the ae had Leen indebted to the vigi ilance of Aisames. Some industrious that commerce was threatened ; but the wise measures of Ar- ablished it. In the interior part of the empire, som¢ aged eflicers said'to us, We served the king faithfully; but in the distribu- tion of his favours we were forgotten. We ad- dressed Arsames, though unknown to him; and with speedy ru sames re- ‘he has procured us a comfortable retrcat for our old age. An individual added, Atsames, preju- diced aga believed it his duty to lay on me the rigorous hand of autho- nst me by my enemi rity; bat cen alter, convinced T was innocent, hé sent for me; and { found him much more alilicted at what had passed than T was myself; and in the mozt carnest manner he desired I200 THE TRAVELS | would assist him in making reparation for an act of ipjustice which rent his heart. His secret influence every where inspires energy and happiness, Military men felicitate " themselves on the emulation which he maintains among them; and the pcople on that peace he has negotiated for them, notwithstanding innu- merable obstacles. Ina word, the nation has by his wisdom been again raised to its former splen- dor and rank among forcsgn.powers, which it had lost by unsuccessful wars. i 2 Arsamies is no longer in the ministry; he passes a peaceful life at his country-seat, about forty parasangs distant from Susa: and this retreat is more frequented than if he were still in place. Chance conducted us to his charming residence; and his kindness has retained us there during several months; nor do I know when we shall be able to leave a socicty which Athens could only eqnal, at the time when politencss, propriety, and good taste, reigned unrivalled in that city, This socicty which he forms around him, con- stitutes the happiness of Arsames, whilst he him- ts chief delight and ornament. His con- tion, casy and ifteresting, is frequently cn- Evened with sallies which escape him, ever em- Ucllished by the graces, anda guiety which, like his happiness, is communicated to all about him, iis style is that of a man who possesses, in the most cnisent degree, the gilt of ple andthe most oxquisite discernment of propri ing,OF ANACHARSIS. 30L This happy union, when he finds it, or imagines that be has found it, in others, attracts him, and impresses them greatly in his favour, In the intercourse of friend hip, his agrecable qualities are still more forcibly displayed, and seems every instant to apocar for the first time. Such are the charms which win the hearts of all who approach Arsames. Tn him general bene- volence is united with efforts of all the splendor of glory, to simplicity, and modesty. When the conversation turns_oa his great qualities, or on the measures he had directed during his ministry, he immediately hastens to expose his defects, and speaks only of the mistakes he committed. : The relation of a noble action enflames his heart; and he is not less affected at the suffer- ings of the unfortunate, whose gratitude he cx- cites without wishing it. In his housc, and around his estate, are found numerous instances of the exertions of that generous bencficence which prevents all wishes, and sxtisfics all wants. Already lands which had been deserted are cover- ed with harvests, and the poor inhabitants of the neighbouring country pay him a small tribute; by which he is much more gratified than by their acknowledgements. My dear Apollodorus, it will be the part of the’ historian to celcbrate, in the distinguished manner he merits, a minister who, in possession of unlimited favour from his sovercign, -has la- 4soz THE TRAVELS boured only for the glory and happiness of the nation: a traveller toc, ought not to.ncgtect such instructive Cctails. The cescription of a truly great character is well worth that of a sumptuous edifice. Ee In the Archonship of Endemis.—T he fourth Year of the 16Cihk Ghympiad. Letter and Journal of. cdpoilidarus, from Athens. Ix the last assembly of the Phocians, the per- sons of the scounde: Onemarches, who had ce Mec ted the scattered re- mains of the army, so cfle-tualy employed his eloquence and influence, that it has been deter- . minced tacontinue the war. He is employed in raising new troops; and the gold aad silver taker sense ady ised peace; but from the sacred treasury have been converted into moncy, and maiy of the statues of brass at Delphi into he A report has prevailed that Artaxarses k'ng 1 rets aad swords, Bainst Greece; and nothing is talked of but his im- mense prepare The assembly met tumultuou of Persia was preparing io turn his arms ions. 'y. Inthe midst: pas proposed to of the public alarin, some pe call on all the Grecian ste and even the king of Macedon, to unite for the general de- fence of Greece; to anticipate the designs of Ar to can’y war into his dominions. after having distinguishedOF ANACHARSIS. 303 himself in his pleadings in the courts. of justice, has lately taken an active part in public affairs, spoke in opposition to this proposal; but he strongly insisted on the necessity of putting our- selves in a state of defence. He foresaw and provided for every thing; stated what number of ships, what infantry and cavalry will be neées- sary,'and in what manner the requisite supplies may be raised. ‘The discernment of the orator has been greatly applauded. In fact, such pru- dent measures will be of the highest utility to us against Artaxerxes, should he invade Greece, and against our present cnemics, should he have no such design. ; We pass in a moment from a state of despair to a state of exultation: but I cannot accustom myself to these periodical excesses of despon- dence and confidence. An individual who ne- ver acquires cxperience by his cirors is deservedly abandoncd to his folly ; in what light then must we view a whole nation, which solely occupied by the present, bestows not a moment's thought on either the past or the future; and which for- gets its fears, as a flash of lightning or peal or thunder when they are past. The greater part of the people here speak of the king of Persia with dread, and the king of Maccdon with contempt. They do not observe © that Philp, for some time past, has taken every oppurtunity to make incursions into our territo- lies; tnat he has seized on our istands of Labres304 | THE TRAVELS and Lemnos; that he has loaded with chains such of our citizens as were settled there; that he has taken several of our ships on the coast of Eubeea; and that, still more recently, he has made a descent on Attica, at Marathon, and car- tied off the sacred galley. This insult, offered to ‘us in the very place which was formerly the scene of our glory, has made us blush; but at present the colour of shame with us‘soon disap- pears. ; Philip is present every where. No sooner had he quitted our shores than he flew to the mari- time ports of Thrace, took the fortress of Ma- thone; demolished it, and distributed the fertile ’ fields around it to his soldiers, of whom he is the idol. During the siege of that city, he swam. over the river. An arrow, shot by an archer, or from a machine, struck him in the right eye ; and notwithstanding the extreme pain he must have suffered, he regained the bank from whence ‘he had swam. His physician Critoholus has ex- tracted the-arrow with great skill; the eye is not disfigured, but it is deprived of sight. This accident has not diminished his ardour: he is new besicging the fortress of Herza, to which we have just claims. Athens is in com- motion, and the general assembly has decreed to raise a contribution of sixty talents*, fit out'forty gallies, and enroll those who have not attained their forty-fifth year. These preparations re- * 13,5001 pan eta ae TIT EIT OA cctatacsasa acces aOF ANACHARSIS. 305 quire time; the winter approaches, and the ex- pedition must oe! be deferred till the ensuing spring. The Thessalians, by j Goinieg with Philip, have thrown down the barrier which obstructed the . progress of his ambition. For some years he has suffered the Greeks to enfeeble each other, and from his throne, as from a watch tower, has waited the moment when some one of the con- tending parties should solicit his assistance. This is arrived; and he is now authorized to in- terfere in the affairs of Greece. Every where the multitude, unable to penetrate his intentions, believe him inflamed with a zeal for religion: he had foreseen the advantages to be derived from such an opinion, and accordingly ordered his soldiers, before the battle against the Pho- cians, to crown themselves with laurels, as if he marched to the attack, in the name of the divi- nity at Delphi, to whom that tree is consecrated, Intentions so pure, joined with such splendid success, have exalted the admiration of the Greeks to enthusiasm; and we hear of nothing _ but this prince, with his extraordinary abilities and virtues, ; ———p In the Archonship of Aristodamus—The eleventh Year of the 107th Olympiad. From the same. -Some days since, the general a took into consideration our disputes with the king of ‘ :3806 THE TRAVELS Macedon. Demosthenes. ascended the rostrum, and painted’ in the strongest colours the indo- lence and frivolity of the Athenians, the igno: rance and absurd measures of their leaders, and the ambition and activity of Philip, Tle proposed to fit out a flect, to raise a body ‘of troops, composed in part of citizens, to carry the war into Macedonia, and not to terminate it except by an advantageous treaty, or a decisive Victory. For, said he, unless we speedily attack Philip in his own dominions, he will probably not be long before he attacks us in-ours. Demos- thenes explained and enforced what he proposed with equal perspicuity and energy. He possesses that eloquence which compels his hearers to re- €ognize themselves and their conduct in the mortifying picture he draws of their past errors and present situation. ie ' See,” exclaimed he, ‘ to what a height of audacity Philip has at length arrived. He de- prives you of the choice of war or peace, and braves you with his menaces. Not satisfied with his former acquisitions, he is still in pursuit of “further, and while we sit down inactive and itre- solute, incloscs us on all sides with his toits, When, therefore, will you exert your vigour? when forced by some necessity. Just heaven! and can there he more urgent necessity to free- men’ than the disgrace attendant on misconduct? Wil you ‘perpetually walk about the pultie places, enquiring of cach other, ‘* What newoF ANACHARSIS: 307 advices?” Can any thing be more new than that a man of Macedon should conquer the Athenians, and give law to Greece? Is Philip dead? No; but dangerously ill. Should he ever die, you would soon raise up another Philip: by your negligence and your supineness. You lose the time for actions in deliberations, Your ge- nerals, instead of appearing at the head of your armies, parade in the procession of your priests, to add splendor to their public ceremonies: your armies ate composed of mercenaries only, the dregs of foreign nations, vile robbers, who lead their chiefs rather than are led by them, &c. “« Indecision and confusion prevail in all your preparations, and your plans have neither skill nor foresight. You are the slaves of circum- stances, and opportunities perpetually escape you. If you-hear that Philip js in the Cherso- nesus, immediately you pass a decree to send forces thither: if he is said to be at Thermopyle, instantly another decrce passes for the troops to march there. You hurty up and down, and fol- low wherever he himself conducts you, but only arrive’ time enough to be witness to his success.” - The whole harangue is full of similar traits. The style of Thusydides, which the orator it is said proposes to himself as a model, is vistbly perceivable in it. As I left the assembly, I heard many of the Athenians lavishing their praises on Demosthenes, and enquiring what news from the Phocians. . x2308 THE TRAVELS From the same. I CANNOT divest myself of fear for the pre- sent state of Greece. In vain do I hear my countrymen boast of the number of its inhabi- tants, the valour of its soldiers, and the splendor of their ancient victories: In vain am I told that Philip will set bounds to his-conquests, and that his enterprizes have hitherto been coloured by specious pretexts: I fear too much the insuffici- ency of our means of defence, and I distrust-his real intentions. The states of Greece are enfeebled and cor- rupted; they have no longer laws or citizens, nor any ideas of real glory and zeal for the good of the country: every where we see only vile mercenaries in the place of soldiers, and plun- derers instead of generals. Here nothing is seen but festivals and shews; and we endure the in- sults of Philip with the same composure as our forefathers braved dangers. The impetuous elo- quence of Demosthenes cannot rouse us from our supinencss. When-I see him ascend the rostrum, I seem to hear him cry, amid the tombs of our ancicnt warriors:—‘ Ye extinct “Cashes, ye dry bones, arise and defend your’ “ country !” i The partizans of Philip are so numerous, and, when occasion requires, so well seconded by. his - secret negociations, that notwithstanding the. doubts which may be entertained of the regard KeOF ANACHARSIS. 309. pays to his word and oath, and though all may be convinced that his hatred:is less fatal than his friendship, yet have the Thessalians not hesitated to throw themselves into his arms; and many others are waiting only a fit opportunity to fol- low their example. An idea of fecbleness is still annexed to his power by some, because we have as yet only seen it in its infancy. I have heard many persons say, and even men of good understanding, that the projects attributed to Philip, are much be- yond the strength of his kingdom; as if the ques- tion merely related to Macedonia, such as it for- merly was, and not rather an empire which, dur- ing ten years, has been progressively forming; and toa prince, whose genius encreases an hun- dred fold every resource of his states, and whose ‘activity, no less astonishing, adds in the same proportion, the number of his troops, and the moments of his life. In vain may we flatter ourselves that his life is " passed in licentiousness and debauchery ; in vain may calumny represent him as the most dissolute of men, The time which other sovereigns lose in insipidity and indolence, he gives to his plea- sures; and that which they bestow on their plea- sures, he dedicates to business and the interests of his kingdom. In fine; our orators, to inspire the people with confidence, incessantly tell them, that a power founded on injustice and perfidy cannot subsist: possibly not if other states x3310 THE TRAVELS were not equally perfidious and unjust; but the reign of virtue is over, and it now appertains to force alone to govern mankind. . Idy dear Anacharsis, when I reflect on the astonishing progress which Philip hag made in a few years, and when I think on that assemblage of favourable circumstances, and eminent quali- ties, of which I have given you the sketch, I cannot but think that he was born to enslave Greece. : —_—« In the Archonship of Theophilus—The first Year of the 108th Olympiad. From the same. A FEW days since, walking without the Thra- cian gate, we saw a man tiding full speed to- ward Athens. We stopped him, and enquired whence he came, and whether he knew any news concerning the siege of Olynthus. I have been to Potidaa, answered he, and on my return I no. longer saw Olynthus. Saying these words he left us, and in a moment was out of sight. We returned to Athens, and found it in universal consternation at the calamitous fate which has befallen Olynthus. That city is no more: its riches, its forces, its allics, and the fourteen thousand men we had sent to its aid at different times, all have not been able to save it. Philip repulsed, on every assault, lost numbers of ‘his. mcn; but it contained traitors within itsOF ANACHARSIS. sil ‘ walls, which hastened the moment of its ruin. The king of Maccdon had purchased by bribes both its migistrates and generals; and they gave him entrance into the city, which was immedi- ately given up to- pillage. Ifouses, temples, every thing has been destroyed by fire and sword; and soon it will scarcely be known where Olyn- thus once stood. Philip has caused the inhabi- tants to be sold for slaves; and put to death two of his brothers, who had for several-years made that city their asylum. All Greece is alarmed: every plaee is sur- rounded by spies and cnemics, nor will it he pos- sible to guard against the univertal’ corruption. How shall ae be able to-defend ourselves against a prince who has often said, and who has proved his words by facts, that there are no walls which a beast of burden laden with gold will not easily make his way through! While the wretched inhabitants of Olynthus, jn chains, watcred with their tears the ashes of their country, or were driven in crowds along the public roads at the pleasure of their new mas- ter, Philip dared to offer up thanks to Heaven for the evils of which he had been the author, and celebrated superb games-in honour of the Olym- pian Jupiter. . I have not mentioned the war of the Phocians; it still continues without any remarkable inci- dents having taken place. Heaven grant it may not terminate like that of the Olynthians! B4312 THE TRAVELS Letter from Apollodorus—The 13th of the Thargelion*. You will share in our grief: an unexpected death has deprived us of Plato, who died on the . 7th of this month, on his birth-day. He was unable to avoid going: to a marriage entertain- ment to which he was invited. I sat next to him; and he only ate, as was frequently his cus- tom, a few olives, Never was he more agreeable, orin better health; but at the moment I was congratulating him on this, he was taken ill, and sunk into my arms in a state of insensibility. Al the assistance we could afford him was ineffec- tual. We had him carried home, where we saw on his table the last lines he had written, but a short time before, and the corrections he had made in his treatise on the republic. These we watered with our tears. The regret of the pub- lic, and the sincerest sorrow of his friends, have accompanied him to the tomb. He had exactly completed his eighty-first year; and he was bu- tied near to the Academy. His will contains the state of his effects, which is as follows:—two country houses; three mineT in ready money; four slaves; two silver vessels, the one weighing 165 drachmas, and the other 45; agold ring, and an ear-ring of the same metal, which he wore when a child. He de- clares he left no debts. He ‘bequeaths one of his ‘* The 25th of May of the year 349 before Christ. T ll. 5s.OF ANACHARSIS. - $13 country houses to the son of Adamantus, his brother; and gives liberty to Diana, whose zeal and services merited this proof of his gratitude. He regulated every thing conderning his funeral andtomb. Spinsippas, his nephew, is appointed one of his executors, and is to succeed him at the Academy. t The death of Flato has been the occasion of our experiencing another loss, which I feel most sensibly, Aristotle has left us, on account of some disgust, which I will explain to you at your teturn. He is gone to reside under the patron- age of the eunuch Hermias, whom the king of Persia has appointed governor of the city of Atar- nea, in Mysia, I regret his friendship, his know- ledge, and his conversation. He has promised me to return: but how great is the difference be- tween enjoyment and expectation! He was him- self used to say, after Pindar, that hope is only the dream of a waking man. I once applauded his definition, but Inow wish to find it false. I am sorry that I have not more carefully treasured in my memory his sayings. Discours- ing once concerning friendship, he on a sudden pleasantly exclaimed, ‘ Oh my friends! friends ‘are not to be found.” Some one asked him what was the use of philosophy? he replied, ‘To “teach us to do voluntarily what the fear of the “laws would compel us to do.” Whence is it, said they, yesterday to him at my house, that we so unwillingly leave the company of handsome ,314 THE TRAVELS persons? “ That,” said he, ‘is the question ef “4 blind man.”—Dut you have frequently caay versed with him; and know that though he pose sessed more extensive knowledge than any other person in the world, yet his knowledge is perbaps . still inferior to his wit. During the sicge of Olynthus, it is said Philip more than once signified a wish to continue on good terms with us. On’ this news, which the people reccived with transport, it was resolved to open a negociation, whicl was suspended by var rious operations. He tock Olynthus, and we breathed nothing but war and vengeance. Soon after, two of our actors, Aristodemus, and Neope tolemus, whom the king treats with much kind: ness, assured us on their return, that he contiz hued in his former disposition ; and immediately we thought of nothing but peace. : We have just sent to Macedon ten deputies, all men of distinguished abilities: Ctesiphon, Aristodemus, Satrocles, Cimon, who have fog their associates Dercyllus, Plhrynon, Philocrates, #Eschines, and Demosthenes. ‘To these we must add Agtascreon of Tencdos, who has the care of the. interests of our allies. ‘They are to settle with Philip the most important, articles of the peace, and to engage him to seid plenipoten- tiaties here finally to conclude it. Tam net able to understand our conduct. ‘This prince, Tete fall a few vague and pcrhaps insidious protestas , tions of friendship to us, and imincdiately, withs ~OF ANACHARSIS. 315 put listening to men of ‘wisdom and expcrience, who distrust htis intentions, without even waiting for the return of the deputies: we have sent to the different states of Greece, to engage them ta unite against the common enemy; we intermit our preparations, and make advances which he will abuse if he accedes to them, and of which a yefusal will be still more humiliating to us. To obtain his favour too, our deputics must have the good fortune to be agreeable to him, —~- . Letter from Callimedon. - Ovr ambassadors have made incrédible dis- ‘patch; they are already returned. They appear to act in concert; but Demosthenes is not satis- fied with his colleagues, who, on their side, com~ plain of him. I ought’ first to tell you, that during their journey they had not a little to en- dure from the vanity of Demosthenes; but they were patient. It was determined that the eldest ef them should first mount to the assault, and Demosthenes, as the youngest, bring up the rear. He prothised to open the incxhaustible sources of his eloquence. ‘‘ Fear not Philip,” addcd he: : « T will so completely sew up his mouth, that he ** shall be forced to restore us Amphipolis.” When they were admitted to an audience of the king, Ctesiphon and the others expressed themselves in few words; /Eschines, eloquently and diffusedly ; Demosthenes— But I will endea-316 THE TRAVELS vour to give you his picture: he rose’half dead with fear: he was not now to ascend the rostrum of Athens, and harangue that multitude of arti- sans who compose our assemblies. Philip was surrounded by his courtiers, the greater part men of wit and abilities: among others were Python of Byzantium, who values himself on writing clegant- ly; and Leosthenes, whom we have banished, and who it is said is one of the greatcst orators in Greece. All had heard speak of the great pro- mises made by Demosthenes, and watched for their fulfilment with an attention which completed his embarrassment. He tremblingly stammered an obscure exordium, lost his recollection, grew more and more confused, and at last was totally unable toproceed. The king in vain endeavoured to in- spire him with confidence; he rose only to fall again; and when Philip had entertained himself for some moments with his silence, the herald gave notice to the deputies to retire. They were afterwards again intrcduced into the royal pre- sence, when Philip discussed their claims in order, _answercd their complaints, and dwelt particularly on the discourse of /Eschines, to whom he fre- quently addressed himself: then assuming an air of affability and kindness, he testified the most sincere desire to conclude the peace. During all this time Deinosthenes, with all the inquietude of a courtier threatened with disgrace, had re- course to every expedient to attract the notice efOF ANACHARSIS. — 317 the king; but he could not obtain a single word, or even a look. Demosthenes left the conference with a dissa- . tisfaction that praduced the most ridiculous scenes between him and his associates. The storm lasted several days: he at last perceived that ill-humour availed but little, and endeavoured to become more social with the other deputies. One evening he thought proper to be pleasant on his own adventure, and added, that no person under heaven possessed the power of eloquence equal to Philip. What most astonished me, re- plied Eschines, was the amazing exactness with’ which he recapitulated all we had said. And I, added Ctesiphon, though I am advanced in years, never saw a man so polite and agreeable. De- mosthenes clapped his hands, and applauded every «word. Excellent, cried he; but you would not venture to hold the same language in the presence of the people? Why should we not? replied his companions. He required their promise, and they gave it. It is not known what use he intends to make of this; but we shall see at the first meet- ing of the assembly. If Demosthenes has re- served all his follies for Macedon, I will never forgive him. I shall not seal my letter till after the general assembly. I have this moment left it. Demosthenes has done wonders. The deputies, each in their turn, related the different circumstances of their em- bassy, ‘Eschines seid a word on the cloquence318 THE TRAVELS of Philip and his happy memory; Ctesiphon of his beauty and figure, the embellishment of his mind, and his'convivial gaiety. They’ all re- ceived their applauses; when Demosthenes as+ sended the fostrum in a more serious and sighi- ficant manner than usual. After having a long time scratched his forehead, as is usual to him: **T cannot but admire,” said he; ‘‘ both thosé who speak, and those who listen: How is it possible for men to dwelb on such trifles, whens matter of so great moment awaits their conside> ration! I shall, in my turn, now proceed to lay before you an account of the embassy. Let the decree passed by this assembly, previous to our departure, and the letter which the king of Ma- cedon has returned by us, be read.” After the . teading of these, he added, ‘Such were our in- structions, and we have fulfilled them. You have heard the answer of Philip: it now only remains for us to deliberate on that answer.” ‘These words excited a kind of murmur ii the assembly. ‘What precision, what address!” “said some: ‘What envy, what malignity!” said others. For my part, I laughed heartily at thé embarrassment visible in the countenance ‘of Ctesiphon and ZEschines. Without giving’ thert time to breathe, he resumed his discourse as fole«” Jows:—‘‘ You have heard great encomitms bet stowed on the cloquence and memory of Philigpy any other person in possession of the same power; . would obtain the same praiscs. His other ex?OF ANACHARSIS. 319 cellent qualities have likewise been extolled: but he has not a finer countenance than the actor Aristodemus, nor can he drink better than Phi- Jocrates. A@schines has told you that he, had left to me, at least in part, the discussion of our rights to Amphipotis; but that orator will not leave either to you or nie an opportunity of speaking. These however are trifles, unworthy our notice. I shall procted.to propose a decree. Thé herald of Philip is arrived, and his ambas- sadors will soon follow. I move, That permis- sion may be granted to treat with them; and that the prytanes be directed to convoke an as- sembly that shall be held two days successively ; and in which we may deliberate on the peace and the alliance. I am likewise’ of opinion, That you should pass a vote of approbation and praise on the conduct of your deputics. if they deserve it; and that they should be invited to sup to-morrow in the Prytaneum.” This decrce pass- ed almost unanimously; and the orator has re- sumed his superiority. T have a high opinion of Demosthenes; but it is not sufficient to possess great abilities; we ought not to be ridiculous, te Letter from Apulloderus. ! _ANTIPATER, Parmenio, and Enrylochus are arrived: they‘ come, on the part ef Philip, to320 THE TRAVELS conclude the treaty, and to receive the oath by which it is to be sanctioned. Antipater is, next to Philip, the most able po- litician in Greece. Active and indefatigable, he extends his vigilance to almost every part of ad- ministration. The king has often said, We may sleep securely, or indulge in our pleasures, for Antipater watches for us. Parmenio, beloved by the sovereign, and still more by the soldiers, has already signalized him- self by a great number of exploits: he would be the first general in Greece if Philip did not ex- ist. From the abilities of these two deputies you may judge of the merit of Eurylochus, their as- sociate. i The 15th of Elaphobolion * the ambassadors regularly attend the different spectacles exhibited at this festival; and Demosthcnes has caused the senate to assign them a distinguished place. He has taken care likewise that cushions and purple carpets shall be prepared for them. At the break | of day he conducts them himself to the theatre, and has given them apartments in his own house. a ———— In the Archonship of Lyciscus.—The first Year of the 109th Olympiad. Letter from Apolledorus. Tue kings of Macedon had been defeated by the Illyrians, and therefore shewed a hatred * The 15th of March of the ycar 346 before the Christian ara.OF ANACHARSI 8. 321 against them. Philip hates no nation because he fears none; but he will enslave all. Follow in imagination, if you are able, the rapid opera- tions of his last campaign. He assembles a powerful army, falls on Illyria, takes several ci- ties, amasses immense plunder, returns to Mace- don, penetrates into Thessaly, whither he is in- vited by his partizans. What is the result of this? While the barbarians, justly enraged, are compelled to bear the chains he has imposed on them, the blinded Greeks hasten to offer them- selves to servitude: they consider him as the enemy of tyranny, as their friend and benefactor. Some intrigue to procure alliance with him, and others implore his protection. At this moment he has openly undertaken the defence of the Messenians and Argives: he has furnished them with men and money, and signified to'the La- cedemonians, that if they shall‘attack them, he will immediately enter Peloponnesus. Other conquerors hasten only to take possession of a country, without bestowing a thought on those who inhabit it; but Philip aims at subduing the Greeks before he conquers Greece. He wishes to gain our confidence, to accustom us to our chains, to oblige us perhaps to ask them of him; and thus by imperceptible and Ienient mea- sures, to become insensibly our arbiter, our de- fender, and our master. Isocrates has just shewn me a letter which he has written to Philip. An old courticr could not ¥$22 THE TRAVELS display more address in flattering aprince. Tamnt not surprised, that aman above ninety years of age still creeps, after having crept all his life; but what gives me Serious concern is, that many Athenians think like him; and you will justly conclude, that since your departure from Greece, our ideas are greatly changed. —=—_— 2 Aristotle on the Nature of Government. Wer received the last Ictters, of which I have given copies, at Smyrna, on our return from Per- sia;t by which we learnt that, Aristotle, after having passed three years with Iermias, * gover- nor of Aturnea, had gone to reside at Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. We were so near to him, and had been so long without seeing him, that we resolved to surprise him. Our attention gave him great pleasure: he was just preparing to depart. for Macedon, Philip having prevailed on him to undertake the education of his son Alexander. I sacrifice my liberty; said he to us, but here is my excuse, shewing us at the same time a letter from the king, conceived in the following words: «© A son is born to me; and I return thanks “to the gods, less that they have given him to “¢me, than that he is born in your time, since I “hope that your care and instruction will ren- t In the spring of the year 343 before the Christian ara, ee onOF ANACHARSIS. 523 *¢der him worthy both of me and the kingdom ‘he is to succeed to.” We passed several days with Aristotle, and gave him an exact account of our travels. The following particulars appeared to engage his at- tention. I told him that when we were in Phe- _ hicia we were invited to dinner with some Persian noblemen, at the house of the satrap of the pro- vince. The conversation, as usual, only turned on the great king. . Many instances were given of his haughtiness and despotism. It must be allowed, said the sa- trap, that kings believe themselves to be of a: species totally distinct from us.—Some days af- ter, being in company with several subaltern of- _ ficers of the same province, they complained to - us of the ill treatment and injustice which they had suffered from the satraps. It appears mani- fest to me, said one of them, that a satrap thinks himself of a nature quite different from his infe-~ rior officers. I afterwards interrogated their slaves; who all lamented the rigour of their fate, _and agreed that their mastcrs must. certainly think themselves a race of mortals of a superior. kind to them. We were convinced, with Plato, that the greater part of men (by turns slaves and tyrants) exclaim against injustice less from the hatred it merits, than from the fear which it in- spires. We remarked, when conversing with a Persian at Susa, that the condition of despots is the most ¥o as »>- ~ ~* mu324 THE TRAVELS wretched, because they possess sufficient power to effect the greatest evil; and consequently deplored the slavery to which his country was reduced, and contrasted it with the liberty enjoyed in Greece. He replied, with a smile, You have passed through many of our provinces; in what condi- tion have you found them? Extremely ftourish- ing and populous, answered I; thei? commerce is extensive, agriculture is honoured and nobly patronized by thesovereign, industry and activity are conspicuous in their manufactures, and they are in a state of tranquillity, though subject to oppressions on the part of their governors. No longer confide then, replied he, in the idle decfamations of your writers: I am acquainted with that Greece, of which you boast, and passed several years in the country, studied its institu- tions, and have been witness to the dissensions to which it isa prey. Name to me a single city, I will not say a whole nation, which does not every moment experience the crucltics of despotism, or the convulsions of anarchy! Your laws are excel- lent; but they are not better observed than ours; for we have very wise oncs, which remain ineffec- tive, because the empire is too opulent and exten- sive. When the sovereign respects those. laws, we would not change our condition with yours; when he violates them, the people have at least the consolation of hoping that the thunderbolt will only fall on the principal citizens, and recoil, at last, on the hand that launched it. We are Le ee i cee ee tea inet cenaOF ANACHARSIS, 325 sometimes unhappy from the abuse of power, but you are always so from the excess of liberty. These reflections led Aristotle to discourse on the different forms of government; on which subject he hud been employed since our departure from Greece. He had begun by collecting the laws of almost all nations, both Greek and Bar- barian, which he shewed us arranged in ordcr, ' and accompanied with remarks, in so many dis- tinct treatises, to the number of more than a hun- dred and fifty. IIe flattered himself he should one day be able to complete his collection. It contained, among othcrs, the constitutions of | Athens and Lacedwmon, of the Thessalians, of the Arcadians, of Syracuse, Marseilles, and even the form of government of ,the little island of Ithaca. This prodigious collection might alone have in- sured immortality to the author; but he only con- sidered it as a scaffold, by the aid of which he might erect astill more noble monument. He had collected facts which presentcd remarkable differ- ” ences and contradictions; to derive from them consequences useful to the human race, it was . necessary to do, what had not hitherto been done, to penetrate the spirit of the laws, and to follow them in their effects; to examine, from the expe- rienceof successive ages, the causes which preserve or destroy states; to prepare, in a word, for any new legislator a well digested code, from which be may select the government, but adapted to ¥3 eile ae ~~ a326 THE TRAVELS the character of his nation, according to the cir- cumstances of time and place. This great work was nearly finished when we arrived at Mitylene, and was published some years after. Aristotle permitted us to read it, and make the extract I here subjoin. _] shall divide it into two parts, PART I, On the different Kinds of Government. WE must first distinguish two kinds of govern= ~ ment; those in which the public utility is the great object, and those in which it is held of ac- count. In the former class we place the limited monarchy, the aristocratical government, and the republic properly so called. Thus the con- stitution may be excellent, whether the supreme authority be confided to a single person, be ex: ercised by many, or reside solely in the people. The second class comprehends tyranny, oligar- chy, and democracy, which are only corruptions of the three preceding ones; fora limited monar- chy degenerates into despotism when the sove- reign, referring every thing to himself, no longer acknowledges any bounds f his: power. The aristocracy becomes an oligarchy when the si- preme power is no longer possessed by a certain number of virtuous persons, but by a small num- ber of rulers, whose riches alone constitute their claim to authority; and the republican govern- ment is debased into a democracy when theOF ANACHARSIS. 397 poorest class of people have too great an influ- ence on public deliberations. As the word Monarch equally signifies a King ora Tyrant, and since it may happen that the power of the one may be as absolute as that of the other, we shall distinguish them by two principal differences ; the one derived from the use which they make of their power, and the other from the dispositions they find in their subjects. As to the former, we have already said that the king, in every thing he docs, acts for his people; | but the tyrant for himself alone. Pursuing these preliminary ideas, we shall find in the history of nations five kinds of kingly power. The first is that which prevailed in the heroic ages. The sovereign possessed the right of commanding the army and inflicting the sen- tence of death, while he had the command of it; he presided at the sacrifices, determined the causes of individuals, and transmitted his authority to his children. The second was established when never-ceasing dissensions had forced a city to Confide the supreme authority to an individual, either during his life, or for a certain number of years. The tlird is that usual among the barba- Yous nations of Asia: the sovereign there enjoys an unbounded power, which he has nevertheless received from his father, and against which the people have never remonstrated. ‘The fourth is_ that of Lacedemon, which appears to be the most conformable to the laws. The fifth, which I shall ¥ 4328 THE TRAVELS call Royalty, or limited Monarchy, is that power which the sovereign exercises in his states; the same as a father in the midst of his family. The last is the only kind of royal power which I shall here consider. I shall not speak of the first, because it has long been, almost everywhere, abolished; nor of the second, because it is merely a temporary commission; nor of the third, be- cause it is only found among the Asiatics, who are more accustomed to servitude than the Greeks and Europeans; nor of that of Lacedemon, be- cause confined within narrow limits, it only makes a part of the constitution, and is not in itself a distinct government. The following then is the idea which we have formed of the true regal power. The sovereign enjoys the supreme authority, ‘and extends his care over every part of administration, and for the preservation and tranquillity of the state. It is his office to cause the laws to be executed; and we shall establish it as a general rule, that he ought to possess the power requisite to restrain in- dividuals, but not sufficient to oppress the nation. He may determine likewise in cases for which the laws have not provided. The care of admi- nistering justice and punishing the guilty, should be confided to magistrates. As it is impossible that he should himself see and regulate all things, he should have a council; the membersof which may.advise and instruct him in the administration of the various and minute affairs of the kingdom,OF ANACHARSIS. 329 Taxes should not be imposed except on occa- sions of war, or other necessities of the state; nor the sovereign insult the poverty of the people by lavishing their property on foreigners, stage- players, or courtezans. It is besides his duty, by meditating on the nature of the power with which he is invested, to render himself accessi- ble to his subjects, and to live in the midst of them as a father of a family in the midst of his children. He should be more occupied by their interests than his own; and the splendor which surrounds him should inspire respect rather than terror: honour should be the motive of all his enterprises, and the love of his people the re- ward. He should discern and recompense merit; and under his government the rich, secure in the ” possession of their property ; and the poor, pro- tected against the power of the rich, should learn to entertain a just esteem for themselves, and to love and defend one of the noblest constitutions among men. Royalty being founded only on the confidence which it inspires, is destroyed when the sovereign tenders himself odious by despotism, or con- temptible by his vices. A king proposes to him- self to render his reign glorious, and to. effect the good of the people; but a tyrant has no other view than to draw on himself all the riches of his state, and then lavish them on his vile plea- sures, Dionysius king of Syracuse had so mul- tiplied taxes, that within the space of five years330 THE TRAVELS the property of every individual had passed into the royal treasury. As the tyrant only reigns by the fear which he inspires, his own security must be the objéct of his attention. Hence while the guard of a king is composed of citizens in- terested in the good of the public, that of the tyrant consists only of foreigners, who serve as the instruments of his fury or his caprice. : Such a constitution, if indeed it deserves that name, contains within itself all the vices of the most corrupted governments, Jt therefore can- not support itsclf but by the most violent, or the most shameful mcans, and must include within itself’ all the possible causes of its destruction. The true aristocracy will be that in which the government is found in the hands of a certain number of enlightened and virtuous magistrates, By virtue I understand political virtue, which is no other than the love of the public good, or of the country. As all honours should be bestowed on this yirtue, it must become the principle of this form of government. ° To secure this constitution, it will be neces- sary to temper it in such a manner, that the principal citizens may find in it the advantages of the oligarchy, and the common péople that of the democracy. Two laws will contribute to pro- duce these effects; one of which, derived from the principle of this government, shall confer the supreme magistracies on personal qualities, without any regard to fortune; and the other ie i elleOF ANACHARSIS, : 331 prevent the magistrates from enriching them- selves by their employments, by obliging them to -render an account to the public of the admi- nistration of the finances. By the former of these laws, all the citizens may aspire to the principal dignities of the state, and the latter will induce the lower classes of the people to renounce a right which they will only value because they believe it profitable. : As it may be feared that, at length, even vir- tue itself, invested with sovereign authority, will be enfeebled or excite jealousy, care has been . taken in many aristocracies, to limit the power of the magistrates, and to provide that it shall pass into different hands every six months. Though it be important that the judges of certain tribu- nals should be chosen from the class of distin- guished citizens, it will at least, be necessary that there should be other tribunals, the judges of which shall be taken from all ranks of people. It appertains to this form of government alone to institute magistrates who may superintend the education of the children and the conduct of the women. Such a censorship would be ineffectual in a democracy or an oligarchy ; in the-tormer, because the multitude would lay claim to an ex- cess of liberty ; and in the latter, because the ruling citizens would be the first to give the ex- ample of corruption and impunity. ' The principle of the pure aristocracy will be po- litical virtue, or the public good. If we find in352 TUE TRAVELS any subsisting aristocracy, that this love has a greatcr or less influence on the choice of magis- trates, we may hence conclude that the consti- tution is more or less advantageous. Hence it is that the government of Lacedmon approaches nearcr to the true aristocracy than that of Car- thage, though there is in other respects a great conformity between them. At Lacedemon the magistrate who is chosen must be animated by the love of his country, and disposed to favour the people; at Carthage he must besides enjoy an easy fortune; on which account the latter go- vernment inclines more towards an oligarchy. Liberty, say the fanatic favourers of the popu- lar power, can only be found in ademocracy; it is the principle of that government; it infuses into each citizen the will to obey, and the ability to command; it renders him master of himself, the equal of others, and valuable to the state of which he makes a part. This form of government is subject to the same resolutions as the aristocracy. It is attem- pered in those states where, to restrain an igno- rant and restless populace, a modcrate property is required to be possessed by those who share in the administration of affairs; in those where, by wise regulations, the principal class of citizens are not the victims of the hatred and jcalousy of the lower orders; and every where, in a word, where, in the midst of the most tumultuous com- motions, the laws have sufficient power to enyOF ANACHIARSIS. 333 force their authority. But it becomes tyrannical whenever the poorer citizens have too great an influence in public deliberations. Several causes have bestowed on them this ex- cess of power: the first is the suppression of the census, according to which the distribution of offices ought to be regulated; in consequence of which the meanest citizen possesses the right of giving his voice in public affairs: the second is the premium granted to the poor and refused to the rich, when they give their suffrages either in general assemblies or the tribunals of justice, and which is too small to induce the latter to be as- siduous in their attendance, thongh it is suftici- ent to indemnify the former for the interruption of their labours; and hence that multitude of artizans and workmen who imperiously raise their voices in those august places where the interests of the republic are discussed: the third is the power which the state orators have acquired over the multitude. Formerly this same multitude blindly followed the soldiery, who more than once abused its confidence to reduce it to sla- very. As its destiny is externally to be held in subjection, there have arisen in these modern times ambitious men, who employ thcir talents to flatter its passions and its vices, to intoxicate it with the opinion of its power and glory, ta excite its hatred against the rich, its contempt for law and order, and its love of independence. Their triumph is that of elequence, which scems334 . THE TRAVELS only to be brought to perfection in our'time, to introduce despotism into the bosom of liberty it- self. The republics, which are wisely governed, do not suffer these dangerous men to lead them; but wherever they acquire influence, the govern- ment speedily arrives at the highest degree of its corruption, and the people contract the vices and the ferocity of tyrants. Almost all our governments contain within themselves many sceds of destruction. As the ‘greater part of the Grecian republics are confined within the narrow limits of a city or a district, the divisions of individuals become those of the state; the misfortunes of war, which“seem to leave no resource, or a rapid succession of un- foreseen events, may in a moment shake to the foundations, or overturn the constitution. While these calamities affect the greater part ‘of Greece, three nations, the C retans, the La- cedemonians, and the Carthaginians, have en- jeyed in peace, for many centuries, a govern- ment which differs from all others, though it unites all their advantages. The Cretans in the most early times conceived the idea of limiting the power of the highest class of citizens by that of the people ; and the Lacedwmonians and Car- thaginians, doubtless from their example, that of associating the regal power with the aristocracy and democracy. The Carthaginians, a numcrous, powerful, and active people, no less jealous of their liberty than _ ee asina OF ANACHARSIS. 335 proud of their opulence, have always been able to defeat every attempt to enslave them, and for a long series of years enjoyed tranquillity, dis- turbed, it is true, by transient storms, but which have never been able to destroy the primitive constitution. Yet, notwithstanding its excel- lence, this constitution has its defects. If ever the people, becoming too rich and too powerful, should separate their interests from those of othcr citizens, the subsisting laws will not be sufficient to curb them. . - : From what has been said, it will be easy to dis- cover the principle of government in each consti- tution. Ina monarchy it is what is honourable and noble; for the prince ought to aspire to ren- der his reign glorious, and to seek glory only by honourable means. In an aristocracy, it is vir- tuc; for the leaders of the state can only distin- guish themselves by the love of their country. In an oligarchy, it is riches; for those who share in the government cf the state are only chosen from among the rich. In ademocracy, it is the liberty of each individual ; but this principle de- generates almost everywhere into licentiousness. PART IT. On the best of Constitutions. IF I were to give instruction to the leaders of a colony, I would ascend to first principles. Every society is an aggregate of the smaller parts who compose it, and who in uniting haye no other336 TNE TRAVELS end but to labour for their common happiness. If they are not sufficiently numerous, how shall they be able to defend themselves against external attacks? and if the numbers be too great, how shall they be sufficiently restrained by laws which may ensure their tranquillity? Aim not then at founding an empire, but rather a city, that may be less powerful from the multitude of its inha- bitants than from the qualities of its citizens. As Tong as law and order can act on every part of this body, think not of reducing its magnitude; but the moment those who obey are no longer under the immediate controul of their rulers, be assured that the government has losta part of itsinfluence, and the state a part of its power. Let your capital, situated near the sea, be nei- ther too large nor too small; and let a healthy situation, a purc air, and salubrious water, contri- bute in concert to the preservation of its inhabi- tants. Let the territory around it suffice for its wants, and be cqually difficult of access to the encmy, and favourable to the communication of your own troops. Let it be commanded by a ci- tadel, if the monarchical government be preferred ; if the aristocracy be made choice of, let different fortificd posts protect it from the fury of the po- pulace; and if a democracy be established, let it have no other defence than its ramparts. Let the walls be strong. Let some of the strects be wide in a straight line, and others narrow and wind- ing; the former will contribute to its embellish-OF ANACIIARSIS. 337 ment, and the latter be of use in case of a surprise. Construct at some distance a harbour, joined to the city by long walls, as is practised in several places in Greece. During war, it will facilitate your receiving succours from your allies; and during peace you may keep there that multitude of seamcn, foreigners, or newly enfranchised slaves, whose licentiousness and grecdiness of gain might corrupt the manners of the people, should you receive them into the city.- Let yout com- merce be confined to the exchange of the super- fluities which your territory produces, for the ne- cessaries which it denies you; and“let your navy be only so far attended to as may render you re- spected by the neighbouring nations. Let us suppose the colony established, and that it is requisite to frame laws for its government ; fundamental ones will be necessary to form its constitution, and civil to ensure its tranquillity. You will inform yourself of the different forms of government which have been adopted by our legislators, or imagined by our philosophers: some of these systems are too impertect, and others re- quire too great perfection. Have the courage to compare the principles of the former with their effects, and the still greater courage to resist the allurements of the latter. If by the force of your genius you are able to conceive the plan of a faultless ‘constitution, a superior reason should convince you that such a plan is not capable of being carried into exccution. ‘Lhe best govern- 2333 THE TRAVELS ment for a people is that which is adapted to its character, its interests, the climate, and those cir- cumstances peculiar to it. Nature has distin- guished, by striking and varied features, the so- cietics scattered over the globe: those of the north of Europe possess courage, but little knowledge or industry; they must therefore be free. The people of Asia possess all the talents of the mind, and all the resources of the arts; but their ex- treme inertness and pusillanimity condemn them to slavery. . The Greeks, placed between these extremes, and enriched with all the advantages they can boast, so unite courage and talents, the love of the laws and of liberty, that they might be able to govern the world. And by what a nuultitude of minute shades has it pleased Nature to diversity these principal characters, even in the same country! Among the nations of Greece, some possess greater intellectual powers, and others more bravery; there are also some, among whom these splendid quaiitics are found in just equilibrium. Nothing is so opposite to licentiousness as li- herty. In all governments its citizens are and ought to be in subjection ; with this difference, however, that in some places they are merely the slaves of inen, and in others only the subjec of the laws. In fact, liberty does not consist im doing whatever we please, as is maintaincd in certain de- mocracie:, but in doing only that which is enjoin- ed by the laws, which secures une independengsOF ANACHARSIS. 339 of each individual; and under this point of view every citizen may enjoy equal liberty. In arepublic a citizen becomes culpable when he becomes too powerful. If your laws are unable to prevent individuals from acquiring great riches, and collecting around them such a numberof par- tizans as may render them too formidable, recourse should be had to the ostracism; and they should be banished for a certain number of years. The ostracism is a violent remedy ; it is perhaps an unjust one, and too often employed to gratify personal vengeance; but it is supported by great examples and authorities, and, in the case speci- fied, is the only resourse that can save the state. if, nevertheless, a man should arise, who by the sublimity of his virtues alone shall attract all hearts to himself, conformable to true principles, he ought, instead of being proscribed, to be placed on the throne. Such are the. principles of Aristotle upon the different forms of government; nor is he the only writer who has given us the eulogium of royalty. The greater part of philosophers have acknow- Jedged the'excellence of this government, which they have considered ; some relatively to societies, and others ag it has relation to the general system of nature. ; : The most excellent of constitutions, says Plato, would be that in which the supreme authority, confided to a single person, shi uld only be exer- cised according to laws wisciy iustituted, in which 22340 THE TRAVELS the sovereign, raised above his subjects as muctt by his understanding and virtues as by his power,. should be persuaded that he himself, like the law, only exists for the happiness of his people; in which the government should inspire fear and respect both at home and abroad, not only by the uniformity of its principles, the secrecy of its en- terprizes, and the promptness of their execution, but still more by its integrity and good faith; for the word of the prince should be more relied on than the oath of other men. To discharge the duties of so exalted a station, kings should refleé on themselves the virtues of that Deity of whom they are the images, and govern their sub- jects with the tenderness of a father, the careful vigilance of a pastor, and the impartial equity of the law. Such are, in part, the duties which the Greeks annex to regal power ; but as almost everywhere they have seen princes depart from them, they only consider this government as the model which a legislator ought to propose to himself, to pro- duce one general will from the wills of indi- viduals. If all the forms of government existed conformably to their principles, said Plato, the monarchical should be preferred; but since they: are all corrupted, it is best to live under the de- mocracy. What then, is the constitution best adapted to a people extremely jealous of their liberty? The mixed government; that in which royalty, aris:OF ANACHARSIS, 341 tocracy, and democracy are combined by laws, which yestore the balance of power whenever it tends too much towards any one of these forms. _ The expression that ‘the law is the soul of the state,” presents a very just image; for, in fact, if the law be destroyed, the state becomes only a lifeless body. : The laws ought to be clear, precise, relative to | the climate, and all favourable to virtue. They should leave as few cases as possible to the deci+ sion of the judges. The Iaws should be severe, but the judges should never be so; because it is better that the guilty should escape than the in- nocent be condemned: in the former case the judgment is an error, but in the latter it is an impiety. The multiplicity of laws is a proof of the cor - ruption ‘and decline of the state. It would be better for a statc to have bad laws which should be well obeyed, than good ones which should re- Main without eiiect. Nothing is so dangcrous Jikewise to make frequent changes in the laws. But what are the soiid foundations of the tran- quillity and happiness of a state? Not the laws _ which reguiste the constitution, or which in- crease its power, but those institutions which form the citizens, and give activity to their minds; not the lavs which dispense rewards and punishments, but the public voice when it makes an exact distribution of contempt and estecin: and we shall find that the manners and morals of Zs342 THE TRAVELS the people are alone sufficient to destroy the best of constitutions, or to rectify the most defec- tive. Under the empire of morals, the minds of men will display elevation of sentiment, distrust of their own power, and decency and sim- plicity in their actions: they will be penetrated with a sacred reverence for the gods, for the laws, and for themselves. Hence results in every government, the indispensable necessity of attending to the education of children, and training them up in the spirit and love of the constitution, in the simplicity of ancient times; in a word, in the principles which ought ever after to regulate their virtues, their opinions, their sentiments, and behaviour. " All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind, have been convinced that the fate of empircs depended on the education given to youth ; and from their reflection, may lay it down as an evi- dent principle, that education, the laws, morals, and mannets, ought never to contradict each other. All, says Zelcucus, should be firmly persuaded of the existence of the gods. The order and beauty of the universe must soon conyince them that it is not the effect of blind chance, nor the work of man. The gods are to be adored, be- cause they are the authors of all real good. Every one therefore should purify his mind, as the Divine Being is not to be honoured by theOF ANACH ARSIS. 343 worship of the wicked ; his approbation can only he obtained by good works, by a virtue constant in its principle and its effects, and a firm resolution to prefer -justice and poverty to injustice and ignominy. Every citizen there- fore should, in all his ‘actions, have continually the hour of death present in his mind; and whenever the malevolent demon shall attempt to influence him to evil, let him fly to the tem- ple, to the feet of the altars, to the sacred places, and implore the assistance of the gods. In all your designs aid actions, says Charon- das, begin by imploring the assistance of the gods, who are the authors of all things: to ob- tain that assistance abstain from evil, for therc is no socicty between God and the unjust man. Let the same affection reign between individual citizens and those who are at the head of the government, as between children and their pa- rents. Sacrifice your life for your country ; and be persuaded it is better to die with honour than to live with ignominy, Let the married pair mutually hold sacred the faith they have vowed to each other. ‘Ihe dead are not to be honoured by tears and immoderate grief, but by a remem- brance of their virtues. Let young persons shew a proper deference to the advice of the aged, who are attentive to deserve reverence by the regulari- ty of their lives. If the latter divest themselves ot modesty, they will introduce into the state the contempt of shameand all its consequent vices, “4a344 THE TRAVELS Detest falshood and infamy ; love virtue; frequent the company of those who practise it ; and aspire to the highest perfection, by becom- ing truly good and virtuous. Fly to the suc- cour of the oppressed citizen, relieve the wretch- edness of the poor, provided it be not the fruit of idleness. Despise him who renders himself the slave of his riches, and the citizen who erects for himself a more magnificent dwelling than the public edifices. Let your language be regu- lated by decency ; restrain your anger, and utter not an imprecation, ‘even against those who have done you an injury. Let all the citizens have these precepts con- tinually pr&ent to their memory ; and on the days of their festivals, Jet them be recited aloud during the public entertainments, that they may be still more decply impressed in their minds *. Dionysius King of Sicily at Corinth—Exploits of Timoleon. On our.return to Athens, after an absence of ‘eleven years, it seemed like arriving for the first time. Death had deprived us of many friends and intimates : whose families had disappeared, and others arisen in their places: we were re- ceived like strangers in houses where we had been before familiar ; everywhere we found the same stage, but other actors. * Zelcucus and Charondas gave laws to the Locrians of Italy, and to several states of Sicily.OF ANACHARSIS. 343 The Forum incessantly resounded with com- plaints against Fhilip, which were a subject of alarm to some, but heard with indifference by others. Demosthenes had not long betore ac- cused AEschines of taking bribes of Philip when he was sent into Macedon to conclude the late peace ; as Hschines had extolled the modesty of the ancient orators, who, when they harangued the people avoided all extravagant gestures. ““No, no,” exclaimed Demosthenes; ‘it is not in the assembly of the people, but when we are sent on an embassy, that we ought to hide our hands under our cloaks.” This stroke of plea- santry was received with applause:- the accu- sation however had no success. We were for some time overwhelmed with questions concerning Egypt and Persia. 1 after- ward resumed my former researches. One day as I crossed the Forum, I saw a great number of enquirers after news, going and coming in great agitation, and seemingly unable sufficiently to express their surprise. I drew near to them, and enquired what had happened. I was answered, | Dionysius ig at Corinth. What Dionysius? ‘The King of Sicily once so powerful and formidable : Timolcon has driven him. from the throne, and obliged him to embark on board a galley, which has brought him to Corinth *. He has arrived, without escort, friends, or relations ; he has lost ¢yery thing, except the memory of what he was, * The year 343 before the Christian zra.$46 THE TRAVELS This news was afterwards confirmed by Euryalus, whom I found at the house of Apollodorus : he was a Coriuthian with whom I was intimate, and who had formerly had connections with Dio- nysius. He wastoreturn to Corinth some months after, and I resolved to accompany him, to con- template, at leisure, one of the most singular phxnomenons of fortune. On our arrival in that city, we saw at the door _of a tavern a fat man, in a mean dress, to whom the master of the house seemed togive, from pity, the wine that had been left in some bottles: some women of dissolute life attacked him with gross jokes, at which he laughed, and answered them in the same stile ; and his pleasantries di- verted the populace who were gathered round him. Euryalus proposed to me to alight from our carriage and observe this person. We fol- lowed him to a place whcre some women, wha were to sing in the chorusses, at the approaching festival, were exerciscd previous to their appcar-* ance in public. He made them repeat their parts, directed them in the management of their voices, and disputed with them on the manner in which certain passages ought to be given. He from thence went to-a perfumer’s, where we un- expectedly saw the philosopher Diogenes, and the musician Aristoxenus, who had arrived at Co- rinth a few days before. Diogenes approaching the stranger, said to him, You do not deserve what has befallen you.—Do you then compasyOF ANACHARSIS. 347 sionate my misfortune? replied the man: I thank you for your kindness.—I compassionate thy misfortunes! replied Diogenes ; thou art much mistaken, vile slave ! thou oughtest to live and die like thy father, ‘a prey to all the terrors which tyrants should feel ; and my indignation rises to see thee in a city where thou mayest yet, without fear, enjoy some degree of comfort, What! said I to Euryalus, with the utmost as- tonishment, is this the king of Syracuse? It is, replied he, but he does not know me : his sight is impaired by excessive drinking: let us listen tothe remainder of the conversation. Dionysius sup- ported his part init with equal witand moderation. Aristoxenus asked him the reason of the disgrace of Plato. A tyrant, answered he, is besieged by every kind of evil; and the most dangcrous is, that his friends will conceal from him the truth. I listened to their advice, and obliged Plato to leave my court. What was the consequence? I was king at Syracuse, and am now a,school- master at Corinth.—In fact, we afterwards saw him, more than once, in a cross way, teaching children the principles of grammar. The same motive which had induced me to go to Corinth, daily brought thither a number of strangers, some of whom, at the sight of this prince, manifested emotions of pity; but the greater part dwelt with pleasure on a spectacle which the circumstances of the times rendered more interesting. As Philip scemed to be on348 THE TRAVELS the point of enslaving Greece, they satiated on the king of Sicily that hatred which they had con- ecived against the kingot Macedon. The instruc- tive example of a tyrant suddenly plunged into the lowest humiliation, was soon the consolation of these haughty republicans. Some time after, the Lacedemonians returned no other answer to the menaces of Philip than these energetic words, Dionysius is at Corinth. We conversed several times with this prince, who freely contessed his faults: no doubt be- cause it had cost him little to commit them. He passed his lite in taverns, in the streets, and among the lowest of the people, whom he had made the companions of his pleasures. - It was easy at once to discern in him the low propensitieshe had received from nature, and the clevated ideas which he derived from his former condition. He spoke like a wise man, but acted like a fool. A Syra- cusan, who had observed him with attention, said to me, His mind is too fecble and trivial to act with greater propriety in adversity thai in prosperity ; he is sensible too that the sight of a tyrant, even though he is dethroned, excites dise trust’ and fear in free citizens. He would not have them think there is any reason to fear him; and saves himself from their hatred by courting their- contempt. The latter he had completely acquired during my stay at Corinth, and afters wards as amply merited from the rest of Greece. We have secu betore, that Timoleon, after the aes aOF ANACHARSIS. a 349 death of his brother, had for some time left Co- tinth, and renounced public affairs. He had pas- sed nearly twenty years in this voluntary exile, when the people of Syracuse, no longer able to resist their tyrants, implored the aid of the Co- rinthians, from whom they derived their origin. They immediately resolved to levy troops ;_ but as they hesitated concerning the choice of a ge- neral, some person by chance mentioned Timo- Icon, and his name was immediately re-echoed with universal acclamation ; the prosecution, formerly commenced against him, had been sus- pended ; and the judges now resolved that the decision should be referred to himself. Timo- leon, said they to him, according to the man- ner in which you conduct yourself’ on the pre- sent ocsasion, we shall be able to decide whether .you put to death a brother or a tyrant. The Syracusans believed themselves destitute of every resource. Icetas, the chief of the Leontines, whose succour they had demanded, thought only of enslaving them, and had en- tered into an alliance with the Carthaginians. Master of Syracuse, he held Dionysius besieged in the citadel, and the flect of Carthage craized near the harbour to intercept that of Corinth. In the interior parts of the island, a fatal expe- rience had taught them to distrust all who: had offered them aid. Timoleon set sail with ten galleys and a small number of soldiers, and eseaping the Cartl.a-350 THE TRAVELS ginian fleet, arrived in Italy, and thence pro< ceeded to Tauromaniom in Sicily. Between that city and Syracuse is the city of Adranum, some of the inhabitants of which had invited Icetas, and others Timoleon ; who both marched at the same time : the former at the head of five thousand men, the latter with twelve hundred. At the distance of thirty stadia from Adranum, Timolcon learned that the troops of Icetas had arrived, and were preparing to encamp round the city. Immediately he hastened his march, and fell on them with such impetuosity, and in such good order, that they fled without resistance, leaving him master of their camp, their bag- gage, and a great number of prisoners. This success immediately changed the dispo- sition of mens minds, and the face of affair. The revolution was so rapid, that Timoleon, with- in fifty days after his arrival in Sicily, saw the different states of that island court his alliance, some of the tyrant’s forces join themselves to him, and Dionysius himself surrender at discre- tion, and at the same time the citadel of Syracuse, with the treasures and troops he had there col- lected. It is not my intention to enter minutely into all the circumstances of this glorious expedition ; I shall content myself with saying, that if Timo- Icon, while young, shewed in battle the maturity of an advanced age, he exhibited in the decline of life all the warmth and activity of youth:OF ANACHARSIS. $51 that he displayed all the talents and qualities of a great general ; that at the head of a small number of troops, he delivered Sicily from the tyrant by which it was oppressed, and defended it against a power still more formidable from without, that wished to enslave it; that with six thousand men he put to flight an army of seventy thousand Carthaginians ; and in a word, that his plans were formed with so much wis- dom, that he appeared to be master of fortune, and to dispose at pleasure of events. But the glory of Timoleon consists not in this continuance of rapid success, which he himself attributed to fortune and the lustre of which he transferred to his country ; it is founded ona conquest more worthy the gratitude of men. Timoleon revised the laws in conjunction with two Corinthians whom he had invited to assist him ; those that regarded the constitution were amendcd, and the licentiousness of the people repressed without detriment to their liberty : and toensure that liberty to them, he advised them to destroy all those citadels which had be- come the haunts of tyrants. The powerful republic of Carthage was forced to sue for peace to the Syracusans ; her oppres- sors of Sicily were successively extirpated ; the cities soon displayed their former splendor ; her fields covered with harvests; a flourishing com- merce, concord and happiness restored. Such were the benefits which ‘Limolcon diffused over352 THE TRAVELS that beautiful.country, and such the fruits he himself gathered. Having voluntarily returned to the condition of a private individual, he saw the respect paid to him increase from day to day. The people of Syracuse obliged him to accept of a distinguish- ed house in their city, and an agreeable retreat in the environs, where he passed his days in peace with his wife and children, whom he had sent for from Corinth. He there incessantly received the tribute of esteem and gratitude of the Syra- cusans, who considered him as their second founder. Whatever treaties or regulations were made throughout Sicily, were submitted to his judgment, and nothing was done without, his approbation. Deputics were sent to request his presence on important occasions : he came ; and the moment he appeared, all the people sa- luted him with shouts of acclamation and joy. In the latter part of his life Timoleon lost his sight. The Syracusans, more afflicted at his mis- fortune than he was himself, redoubled their re- spect and attention: they brought foreigners who visited their country to see him. Behold, said they, our benefactor and our father ! he has preferred, to the splendid triumph which awaited him at Corinth ; to the glory which he would have acquired in Greece, the pleasure of living in the midst of his children.—Timo- kon returned to these eulogiums only this mo- dest reply :—‘ ‘The gods had decreed to saveOF ANACHARSIS. 353 Sicily : 1 thank them that they made choice ** of me to be the instrument of their goodness.” At his death the public grief only found con- solation in the honours bestowed on his memory. Time was allowed for the inhabitants of the neighbouring cities to repair to Syracuse, to be present at the funeral ceremonies. Youths, cho- sen by lot, bore on their shoulders the body, ex-, tended on a couch richly ornamented. Men and women in great numbers followed, habited in white robes, and making the air resound with the name and praises of Timoleon ; but their tears still more evinced their affection and grief. When the body was laid on the funeral pile, a herald read aloud the following decree :—‘‘ The ‘© people of Syracuse, in gratitude to Timoleon, «¢ who destroyed their tyrant, conquered the bar- ‘* barians, restored several great cities, and gave “laws to the Sicilians, have resolved to conse- ‘*crate two hundred minz to his funeral, and “annually to honour his memory by musical “competitions, horse-races, and gymnastic «« games.” Other generals have signalized themselves by more splendid conquests, but none ever perform- ed actions more truly great. He undertook the war to effect the deliverance of Sicily ; and when he had compleated his design, had no other am- bition than to be beloved. He caused the sovereign authority, while he was invested with it, to be universally respected ; Aa354 THB TRAVELS and when he had resigned it, paid it equal reve- rence with the other citizens. One day, in full assembly, two orators dared to accuse him of mal- versation in the employments he had held ; and when the people rose against them with indigna- tion, Timolcon restrained them, saying, ‘“ I “have only undergone so many labours, and ‘braved such various dangers, to enable the “« meanest, citizen to defend the laws, and freely * to declare his opinion.” —- Continuation of the Library—Physics, Natural History, §c. Ox my return from Persia I again visited Euclid. ‘A part of his library still, remained which I wished to examine. I found him in it, in company with Meton and Anaxarchus. The former of Agrigentum in Sicily, and of the same family as the celebrated Empedocles ; the latter was of Abdera in Thrace, and of the school of Democritus. Each had a book in his hand, and appeared absorbed in profound meditation. Euclid shewed me several treatises on animal- plants and fossils. I am not vevy rich, said he, in these kind of works ; fora taste for natural his- tory and physic, property so‘called, has only been introduced among us within these few years : not but several men of genius have formerly employ- ed themselves in researches into nature. I some time since shewed you their works ; and you te-